Kalub
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 674 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Kalub has 674 recorded U.S. births across 40+ years, peaking at 48 in 2002. It occupies the space between “never heard of it” and “everyone has one in their class” — a name that feels personal without being obscure.
Kalub is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Kalub is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a spelling variant of Caleb, derived from the Hebrew kelev, meaning 'dog' or, figuratively, 'faithful devotion.' In the Book of Numbers, Caleb was one of the twelve spies sent into Canaan, and he and Joshua were the only ones who gave a faithful, courageous report — earning them entry into the Promised Land.
The Kalub spelling gives this ancient Hebrew name a more phonetic, modern American feel. Caleb has been a top-10 boys' name in the United States since the late 1990s, and Kalub offers a genuinely rare variant of this popular biblical classic.
EtymologyShow more
Kalub first shows up in U.S. Social Security records in 1981. First appearing in the 1980s, Kalub emerged during a period of rapid naming innovation in America, when parents increasingly created new names or adopted them from global cultures.
Its Hebrew classification suggests a path from hebrew linguistic traditions into American usage, though the specific route — whether through immigration, literature, or cultural exchange — would require deeper historical research.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kalub has 35+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1981.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 8 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 132 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 351 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 155 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 28 | — |
The Story of Kalub
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2002, Kalub is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Kalub are most likely born between 1992 and 2012.
How rare is Kalub?
With 674 total births on record, Kalub remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1981, peaked in the 2000s with 351 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Kalub by the numbers
- Would fill 14 school buses
- Meeting one Kalub per day would take 1.8 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(35 years, 1981–2021)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 8 | #9250 |
| 2019 | 6 | #11443 |
| 2018 | 10 | #7883 |
| 2017 | 12 | #6898 |
| 2016 | 6 | #11426 |
| 2015 | 9 | #8374 |
| 2014 | 6 | #11421 |
| 2013 | 11 | #7294 |
| 2012 | 19 | #4944 |
| 2011 | 31 | #3476 |
| 2010 | 22 | #4441 |
| 2009 | 32 | #3437 |
| 2008 | 44 | #2768 |
| 2007 | 36 | #3161 |
| 2006 | 44 | #2682 |
| 2005 | 24 | #3875 |
| 2004 | 24 | #3805 |
| 2003 | 38 | #2654 |
| 2002 | 48 | #2210 |
| 2001 | 39 | #2511 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kalub a boy's or girl's name?
When was Kalub most popular?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1981–2021