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ORIGIN AND HISTORY OF THE NAME, CALEB

Pronounced KAY-leb - From the Hebrew

Probably introduced into the Americas by the Puritans. Please, see notes under Resources (1).

ENGLISH BIBLICAL USAGE

Caleb, son of Jephone, the Cenezite, principal spy sent into Canaan by Moses. Characterized by his faithfulness to God and to his people, for which he was rewarded. Numbers 13:6;14:32;12, Joshua 14:6-14.

In the Bible,there are many references to the name, Caleb. It is obvious that all the references are not to the same person. There is some lack of clarity, but it is highly evident that Caleb and those within the lineage, in the biblical context, serve to directly connect the Israelites to the monarchy of David and, thus, to Christians today (Numbers 26:64).

THE CELEBITES

Caleb brought this tribe with him (he was their leader) to join Moses in his quest of the Promised Land.

THE NEGEV OF CALEB

They were not Israelites, but were called Cenezite. When the land of Canaan was divided, Caleb settled these people into a southern portion of Palestine, near Hebron. They were within the allotment to the tribe of Juda, which Caleb headed, where their heritage is still evident.

THE DOG

Although the name, Caleb, in Hebrew, translates to "dog", the most substantial theory is that this is a totem name. Totems were common among tribes, and the totem symbol attributes qualities of the symbol the the individual who bears the name. With the name, Caleb, there is a strong connotation of loyalty and devotion.

POPULARITY

At the turn of the century, Caleb was 869th on the list of popular names.

From 1990-99, Caleb rose in popularity until, in 2006, it was 34th, in the United States. In recent years, it's popularity has also risen in other countries, especially New Zealand and Australia.

CELEBRITY BABIES NAMED CALEB

These parents have sons named Caleb:

* Alleen Getty - Daughter of J.Paul Getty
* Jonathan Jackson - Actor on daytime "soap", General Hospital
* Susan Anspach and Jack Nicholson, actors

CELEBRITIES

* Caleb Johnson - Researcher, writer, authority on the Mayflower and its passengers. A Mayflower descendant, Mr. Johnson has authenticated nine ancestors on the Mayflower, including John Aldon and Myles Standish.

* Caleb Miller - Cincinnati Bengals Football Linebacker

* Jamie Caleb - Played football for the Minnesota and Cleveland during the 1960's.

NICKNAMES

Most common - Cale, Cale, Kale

UNINTENDED NICKNAME

A mother on YeahBaby.com remarked, "My baby's name is uncommon, beautiful, and he will have no nickname." Her unintended nickname, or term of endearment, has become, "Darling".

OTHER USES OF CALEB

In Chicago - Halsted Street, one of the major thoroughfares in the city, was named by the first mayor of Chicago for brothers, William and Caleb Halsted. They developed large portions of the Loop.

Caleb Williams - Character in "Things as They are, or the Adventures of Caleb Williams", published in 1794. In England, a landmark political novel of the day.

Caleb Threlkeld (1676-1728) English Botanist, did much to catalog Irish flora.

In 1898, Caleb D. Bradham; a New Bern, North Carolina pharmacist; created Pepsi-Cola.

Me & Caleb - Award-winning children's book by Franklyn E. Meyers.

The name, Caleb, brings fascinating stories to mind. This does not scratch the surface, but I hope will give an indication of the rich history of the name and those who have born it.

RESOURCES

* MayflowerHistory.com
* Catholic Encyclopedia.com:Caleb
* Joshua 15:13
* 1 Chronicals 2
* LiteraryEncyclopedia.com
* Yeah.Baby

Learn more about this author, Joan Mccord.
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