by Kate Johns

Created on: January 28, 2008

Caleb pronounced KAY-leb

ETYMOLOGY

Caleb means dog, or faithful devotion to. Caleb was very devoted and faithful to God and he believed with his whole heart in God.

ORIGIN AND HISTORY

Caleb is Hebrew in origin. The Puritans introduced this name to America.

Caleb was the son of Jephunneh, and he is a very important figure in the Hebrew Bible. Moses sent 12 spies into Cannan to report on what was going on there. Ten of the spies returned saying it wasn't possible to live in the land God had promised them. They made up stories, saying things like there were giants living there. Joshua and Caleb returned to the Hebrews saying that they could live in Cannan, because it was what God wanted for them. The Hebrews that didn't do what God wanted them to do and were punished for their defiance. God banished them to isolation. He forced them to wander in the desert for forty years. Joshua and Caleb were rewarded for their undying devotion by allowing them to live in Cannan.

POPULARITY

In the United States, in the year 1900, the name Caleb was not very popular, as it came in near the bottom of the charts at 870 out of 1000. Since 1970, the name Caleb has climbed the charts, seeing a steady pattern of growth every year. In 1992 Caleb broke the top 100, and came in at the very respectable number 74. Caleb currently has become a very popular boy's name, with many people in America naming their sons after this very devoted man.

FASCINATING FACTS

Did you know that a pharmacist invented Pepsi? In 1893, Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist from New Bern, North Carolina was experimenting at a soda fountain in a drug store, when he stumbled on the now famous mixture.

The first house to be built in what is now called Rochester, New York was built by Colonel Caleb Hopkins in 1800.

NAMESAKES

There were three biblical characters named Caleb.
There are many books with the main character centering on Caleb, such as the children's book, Caleb's Story by Patricia Mac Lachlan.

FAMOUS PERSONS

Cale Yarborough is an American NASCAR diver and owner. He was born on March 27, 1940. He made NASCAR Winston Cup Series history by winning three consecutive championships, starting in 1976. He had a total of 83 NASCAR wins and is ranked in fifth place for all time wins.

Caleb Quay is a British rock guitarist. He was born in 1948, and he played guitar for many legendary musicians. He played on many of Elton John's records, and several recordings for Mick Jagger, Pete Townsend, and Hall and Oates. He currently is an evangelist, and still plays guitar.

Caleb Carr is a noted American author. He was born on August 2, 1955, and he wrote several best selling books, such as The Alchemist, and The Alienist.

Caleb Ross is a New Zealand actor born on December 10, 1981 who is best known for his role as Lex, in the TV series, " The Tribe." He also appeared in the TV series, " Xena: Warrior Princess."

NAME VARIANTS

Cal, Cale, Cayleb, Calib, Cayle, Kale, Kaleb, Kayleb, Kaylob, Kail

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