At a glance
- In short
- Caliph is a male name of Arabic origin, pronounced KAH-lif (/ˈkælɪf/). It holds historical and cultural significance as it refers to the Islamic leader.
- U.S. rank 2025
- #12,008 of boy names (outside the top 1,000)
- Babies in 2025
- 5 (<0.01% of boys)
- Peak
- #2,799 in 1974
- First recorded
- 1972
Meaning of Caliph
Caliph is a male name with Arabic origin. The name Caliph has variations such as Khalif. In the United States, the name Caliph has been given to a few newborn boys over the years, although it hasn't been very popular. Its usage has fluctuated, with occasional peaks in certain years. The name Caliph carries historical and cultural associations, as it refers to the title of the political and religious leader in Islamic history. It represents leadership and authority within the Muslim community. Choosing the name Caliph for your baby boy can be a unique way to honor Islamic heritage and embrace its rich history.
How to pronounce Caliph
Arabic
- Pronounced KAH-lif /ˈkælɪf/
Popularity of Caliph in the U.S.
Caliph was the #12,008 boy name in the U.S. in 2025, with 5 babies. It peaked at #2,799 in 1974. It first appears in the records in 1972.
- Rank among U.S. boy names (right scale, #1 at the top)
Year-by-year table, 1972–2025 29 rows
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 5 | 12,008 | back (not recorded in 2020–2024) |
| 2019 | 6 | 10,803 | back (not recorded in 2017–2018) |
| 2016 | 5 | 12,185 | back (not recorded in 2013–2015) |
| 2012 | 6 | 10,770 | ▼ 2,003 |
| 2011 | 8 | 8,767 | ▲ 1,999 |
| 2010 | 6 | 10,766 | back (not recorded in 2009) |
| 2008 | 8 | 9,019 | ▲ 769 |
| 2007 | 7 | 9,788 | back (not recorded in 2006) |
| 2005 | 6 | 10,151 | ▲ 1,205 |
| 2004 | 5 | 11,356 | ▼ 4,641 |
| 2003 | 10 | 6,715 | back (not recorded in 2002) |
| 2001 | 9 | 6,935 | ▲ 3,414 |
| 2000 | 5 | 10,349 | ▼ 4,307 |
| 1999 | 10 | 6,042 | ▲ 1,518 |
| 1998 | 7 | 7,560 | ▼ 279 |
| 1997 | 7 | 7,281 | back (not recorded in 1996) |
| 1995 | 9 | 5,928 | ▲ 1,842 |
| 1994 | 6 | 7,770 | back (not recorded in 1993) |
| 1992 | 8 | 6,128 | back (not recorded in 1985–1991) |
| 1984 | 6 | 5,561 | ▼ 1,062 |
| 1983 | 8 | 4,499 | back (not recorded in 1981–1982) |
| 1980 | 6 | 5,525 | ▼ 1,122 |
| 1979 | 8 | 4,403 | ▲ 1,370 |
| 1978 | 5 | 5,773 | ▲ 72 |
| 1977 | 5 | 5,845 | ▼ 2,374 |
| 1976 | 10 | 3,471 | ▲ 470 |
| 1975 | 8 | 3,941 | ▼ 1,142 |
| 1974 | 13 | 2,799 | back (not recorded in 1973) |
| 1972 | 5 | 4,986 | new |