Kaleb is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "Kelab" which means "like a dog". However, it's important to note that this meaning does not imply any negative connotation as in English. Instead, it refers to being faithful or devoted, much like a loyal dog.
The name Kaleb first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where he is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the Promised Land before its conquest. He is described as one of the few who remained loyal to God even after the majority of the Israelites doubted their ability to conquer the land.
Throughout history, the name Kaleb has been popular among different cultures and religions. It was used by early Christians as a martyr's name, and it continues to be used today in various countries around the world, particularly in Scandinavian nations such as Denmark and Sweden.
In recent years, the name Kaleb has gained popularity in English-speaking countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Kaleb ranked among the top 1000 boys' names in the US for several consecutive years between 2009 and 2019.
In summary, Kaleb is a name with a rich history that dates back to biblical times. Its meaning, derived from Hebrew, emphasizes loyalty and devotion. Despite its origins, the name has been embraced by diverse cultures and continues to be popular today.
The name Kaleb has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past five decades in the United States. In the 1970s, there were only six births recorded in 1970, with the number of births steadily increasing throughout the decade to reach 99 births in 1979.
The 1980s witnessed a substantial growth in the popularity of the name Kaleb. The number of births doubled from 119 in 1980 to 2332 in 1999, marking a significant milestone for the name's prevalence.
The trend continued into the new millennium with over 2700 births recorded in each year between 2000 and 2005. The peak of popularity was reached in 2006 and 2007 with over 3800 births each year.
However, since then, there has been a gradual decrease in the number of births registered for the name Kaleb. By 2019, this number had dropped to 1787, and it continued to decline in subsequent years, reaching 1228 births in 2023.
In total, over the past five decades, there have been 84239 babies named Kaleb born in the United States. Despite its recent decrease in popularity, Kaleb remains a widely recognized and used name across the country.