Caleb Name Meaning, Origin and Pronunciation
Caleb is a Hebrew-origin boy’s name commonly read as meaning “faithful” or “devotion,” though some sources connect the literal root to “dog,” a reading tied to loyalty imagery.
| Meaning | faithful, devotion (commonly cited reading); some sources note a literal root meaning dog, tied to loyalty imagery |
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Pronunciation | KAY-lub |
| Gender | Boy |
| Related forms | none widely used; the name has stayed close to its original form |
Origin and history
Caleb names one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan in the Book of Numbers, remembered in the Hebrew Bible for his faithfulness and courage when most of the other spies gave a discouraging report. The commonly cited “faithful” meaning ties directly to his portrayal in that narrative, though some linguistic sources note the name’s literal Hebrew root is closer to “dog,” which naming references often connect to loyalty rather than treating as a negative association.
Is Caleb a boy or girl name?
Caleb is used almost exclusively as a boy’s name.
Frequently asked questions
Why does Caleb sometimes get linked to the word “dog”?
Some linguistic sources trace the literal Hebrew root closer to that word, and naming references generally reframe it through the lens of loyalty and faithfulness, both because of that association and because of Caleb’s Biblical characterization.
Who was Caleb in the Bible?
One of twelve spies sent to scout Canaan in the Book of Numbers, remembered for remaining faithful and courageous when most of the others returned a discouraging report.
Related reading
Related culture pages: Biblical boy names, Hebrew and Jewish names.