Declining since 2011.
Popularity of Kaleab since 1998
Babies named Kaleab per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 71 |
| 2010s | 125 |
| 2020s | 41 |
Meaning & origin
Kaleab is a modern spelling adaptation of the traditional name Caleb, first recorded in the United States in 1998. While it has never entered the top 1000 rankings, it reached its peak usage in 2012. The name has been on a downward trajectory since 2011, suggesting it remains a rare and distinctive choice. Derived from Hebrew origins, Kaleab shares the same debated meaning as Caleb, potentially referring to 'dog' or 'whole-hearted', and appears in the Old Testament as a figure of faith. Despite its low frequency, the name appeals to parents seeking a familiar yet slightly unconventional variant.
Kaleab is a modern English spelling variant of Caleb, which derives from the Hebrew name כָּלֵב (Kalev). Its meaning is uncertain; it may mean 'dog' in Hebrew, or it could be a compound of two elements meaning 'whole heart'. The name appears in the Old Testament as a faithful companion of Moses and Joshua.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kal, Kaleb
Sibling names for Kaleab
Names that share Kaleab's style, for a brother or sister.
