Calab

Meaning & origin

Calab is an uncommon variant of the biblical name Caleb, first recorded in the United States in 1984. It is almost exclusively used for boys, peaking in popularity in 2007, though it has never cracked the top 1000. The name's trajectory has been stable, with a small but consistent presence. Its meaning, derived from Hebrew, suggests 'devotion to God' or 'whole-hearted,' though the exact interpretation remains debated. Because of its rarity, Calab offers a distinctive choice for parents seeking a modern twist on a classic name. The spelling variation distinguishes it from more traditional forms like Caleb or Kaleb, reflecting broader trends in late 20th-century name coinage. Despite its low profile, Calab fits well with other names of similar style, such as Ethan and Micah.

Calab likely emerged as a modern respelling of Caleb, a biblical name from Hebrew 'Kalev' (dog, or by metaphor 'faithful'). The spelling 'Calab' appears to be a late 20th-century innovation, first recorded in the United States in 1984. It may also be a surname or place-name adaptation, but no direct etymological link to a non-English source is well-attested.