Kalem

Meaning of Kalem

Kalem, pronounced KAY-luhm (/ˈkeɪləm/), is a masculine given name that functions as an Anglicized variant of the Hebrew name Caleb, traditionally understood to signify “whole-hearted” or “faithful.” Deriving from the biblical narrative, it conveys connotations of steadfastness and loyalty, qualities frequently invoked in Anglo-American naming conventions that favor both heritage and semantic depth. In the United States, Kalem has maintained a relatively stable yet modest presence in the Social Security Administration’s annual rankings since its first appearance in the 1970s; after debuting at rank 648 in 1974, it has oscillated within the 680–917 range, most recently securing 13 births and a rank of 911 in 2024. This pattern of moderate fluctuation reflects a propensity among contemporary parents to select distinctive biblical variants that balance historical resonance with a measure of rarity, thereby ensuring both recognition and individuality.

Pronunciation

English

  • Pronunced as KAY-luhm (/ˈkeɪləm/)

U.S. Popularity Chart

Susan Clarke
Curated bySusan Clarke

Assistant Editor