Cal
Cal is a boy name of English origin meaning “Short form of Calvin, Caleb and Callum”, pronounced KAL. It ranked #543 in the United States in 2025, given to 554 babies, and peaked at #393 in 1880. Common nicknames: Cally.
How popular is Cal in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Cal mean, and where does it come from?
Cal has served as the short form of several names at once — Calvin, Caleb, Callum, Calder — and has been used on its own in American birth records since 1880. The names behind it pull in different directions: Calvin from Latin calvus, "bald," Caleb from Hebrew for "devoted" or "dog," Callum from Latin columba, "dove." Baseball gave it its best-known bearer in Cal Ripken Jr., who played 2,632 consecutive games. The name is rising again as part of the wider return of blunt one-syllable boys' names, where it sits comfortably beside Gus, Cash and Beau.
How is Cal used around the world?
Cal is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 8+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Cal?
Famous People Named Cal
- Cal Ripken Jr. — American Hall of Fame baseball player who set the consecutive-games record
- Cal Crutchlow — British MotoGP motorcycle racer
- Cal Tjader — American jazz vibraphonist
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Sibling Name Ideas for Cal
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Cal mean?
Cal is a boy name of English origin meaning "Short form of Calvin, Caleb and Callum." Cal has served as the short form of several names at once — Calvin, Caleb, Callum, Calder — and has been used on its own in American birth records since 1880. The names behind it pull in different directions: Calvin from Latin calvus, "bald," Caleb from Hebrew for "devoted" or "dog," Callum from Latin columba, "dove.
How do you pronounce Cal?
Cal is pronounced KAL. Common variations include Calvin, Caleb, Callum.
Is Cal a boy name?
Yes, Cal is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Cally.