Most likely related to Hebrew כֶּלֶב (kelev) meaning "dog". An alternate theory connects it to Hebrew כָּל (kal) "whole, all of" and לֵב (lev) "heart". In the Old Testament this is the name of one of the twelve spies sent by Moses into Israel. Of the Israelites who left Egypt with Moses, Caleb and Joshua were the only ones who lived to see the Promised Land.
As an English name, Caleb came into use after the Protestant Reformation. It was common among the Puritans, who introduced it to America in the 17th century. - quoted from Behind the Name
Caleb has always been a fairly popular name although it didn't rank very high until the 1990's when it saw an increase in popularity. To day Caleb ranks #35 in the USA, #31 in Canada, #34 in Northern Ireland, #44 in New Zealand, #65 in Scotland, #83 in Australia and #93 in England and Wales.
I've known several boys named Caleb, mostly in their early 20's but I do know two different families who named their sons Caleb in the last year. I'm not sure I'd use it but I do like it and combos such as Caleb Andrew, Caleb Benjamin, Caleb Joshua and Caleb Daniel.
What do you think of the name Caleb?
Do you know anyone with this name?
What other names would you pair it with?
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