2 syllables: Ca, leb. Stress on Ca.
KAY-luhb
/ˈkeɪləb/
Caleb is pronounced KAY-luhb (/ˈkeɪləb/). It has two syllables (Ca-leb), with the stress on "Ca". Caleb is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, commonly used in English-speaking countries. It is typically pronounced with two syllables and a primary stress on the first, yielding a light, open vowel followed by a schwa-like ending. The name carries a mild, formal-to-neutral register and appears across religious, literary, and contemporary contexts.
nounCaleb is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin, commonly used in English-speaking countries. It is typically pronounced with two syllables and a primary stress on the first, yielding a light, open vowel followed by a schwa-like ending. The name carries a mild, formal-to-neutral register and appears across religious, literary, and contemporary contexts.
"Caleb gave a thoughtful speech at the ceremony."
"We hired Caleb for the project because of his reliability."
"Her son, Caleb, loves to explore the outdoors."
Caleb is pronounced /ˈkeɪ.ləb/ in General American and /ˈkeɪ.ləb/ in many UK adaptations. The first syllable carries primary stress: /ˈkeɪ/. The second syllable is a reduced vowel, typically /ləb/ in US and /ləb/ in UK contexts as well, with a light, schwa-like ending. Mouth position starts with a strong /k/ release, followed by a long /eɪ/ glide, then a relaxed /l/ and a soft /ə/ before /b/. You can listen to native pronunciations on Pronounce and YouGlish for context.
Common mistakes include pronouncing the second syllable as a full vowel like /e/ (CAL-EB) instead of the reduced /ə/ sound, and delaying or over-articulating the /l/ or /b/ at the end. Some speakers also shift the initial vowel to /eɪ/ or misplace the stress across syllables. To correct: keep the first syllable crisp /ˈkeɪ/ with a clear diphthong, then quickly reduce the second syllable to /lə/ or /ləb/ with a soft final /ɪ/ or /ə/ before /b/. Use minimal pairs against similar names: Caleb vs. Kayla (to feel the ending difference).
In US and UK English, Caleb commonly uses /ˈkeɪ.ləb/ or /ˈkeɪ.ləb/, with strong first syllable stress and a schwa-like second syllable. US tends toward a slightly clearer /ɜː/ or /ə/ depending on speaker, but the second syllable remains unstressed. Australian English often keeps the same two-syllable structure, with a slightly more centralized vowel in the second syllable and occasional softening of /l/ and /b/. Rhythm remains trochaic in all, but vowel quality and vowel reduction can vary by speaker and regional accent.
Caleb challenges learners with the reduced second syllable, which hides an unstressed schwa-like vowel, and the bilateral /l/ placement between two consonants. The diphthong /eɪ/ in the first syllable can be misarticulated as a pure /e/ or mis-timed consonant release after /k/. Additionally, the final /b/ needs to be released smoothly after a light /lə/ rather than a hard stop. Practicing with minimal pairs and recording helps train the contrast between stressed and reduced vowels in the second syllable.
Caleb sometimes triggers listeners to expect a frank, more firm consonant ending. The ending /b/ should be voiced and cleanly released, not whispered or devoiced, especially in rapid speech. Some speakers equalize the ending to a syllabic /lɪ/ or reduce to /l/ in casual speech; you should avoid this by ensuring the /b/ remains audible. Finally, consonant timing matters—keep the /l/ in the middle heard distinctly, then transition quickly to the final /b/ without lingering.
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US: rhotic, /ɹ/ not relevant here; focus on crisp initial /k/ release and the American /eɪ/ diphthong, with a clearly reduced second syllable /lə/ or /lə/.UK: non-rhotic or lightly rhotic; the ending may be slightly briefer and the vowel in the second syllable can be slightly more centralized to /ə/.AU: similar to US but with lightly more centralized second syllable; maintain rhythm and avoid over-articulation of /l/ in the middle. IPA notes: US /ˈkeɪ.lə(b)/, UK /ˈkeɪ.lə(b)/, AU /ˈkeɪ.ləb/. Tips: keep the first syllable crisp, use a short, relaxed second vowel, and ensure the final /b/ is voiced and audible. Build a short listening list of Caleb pronunciations from Pronounce and YouGlish for reference.
Caleb is derived from the Hebrew name Kalev (כָּלֵב), composed of elements that are traditionally linked to the meaning “dog” or “faithful/whole-hearted.” In the Hebrew Bible, Kalev is the son of Jephunneh, a scout of Canaan, and his name is often associated with steadfastness and loyalty. The name entered Greek and Latin texts through biblical translations, where it appeared as Calebelus or Kalevas in various transliterations. In English, Caleb emerged in medieval religious literature and gradually increased in use during the Early Modern period, especially within English-speaking Christian communities. Over time, pronunciation shifted toward the anglicized two-syllable form /ˈkeɪ.ləb/ in American and British contexts, with minor regional vowel adjustments. The first known English uses appear in 16th- to 17th-century translations of biblical texts and hagiographies, where Kalev was commonly Romanized as Caleb. Today, Caleb remains popular in many English-speaking countries, often chosen for its biblical associations and straightforward pronunciation, while still retaining a soft, approachable sound that blends formal and casual usage. The name’s evolution reflects broader trends in anglicizing Hebrew given names, balancing fidelity to original vowels with familiar English phonotactics. Overall, Caleb’s semantic footprint emphasizes loyalty and steadfastness, which reinforces its continued appeal across generations.
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💡 These words have similar meanings to "Caleb" and can often be used interchangeably.
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Words that rhyme with "Caleb"
-bel sounds
-ble sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
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