The first name Cal

In 2025, 4 boys were named Cal, making it the 4,275th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2003, with 14 births (#1,188).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Cal with other names.

In 2025, 554 boys born in the United States were named Cal, the 543rd most popular boys’ name that year.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Cal Crutchlow
  British motorcycle racer, born 1985
• Cal Ripken Jr.
  American retired baseball player (born 1960)
• Cal Clutterbuck
  Canadian ice hockey player, born 1987
• Cal Petersen
  American ice hockey player, born 1994
• Cal Hubbard
  American football player and coach, baseball umpire (1900–1977)
• Cal Strong
  American water polo player (1907–2001)
• Cal O'Reilly
  Canadian ice hockey player, born 1986
• Cal Schenkel
  American artist, born 1947
• Cal Worthington
  American businessman, 1920–2013
• Cal Smith
  American country musician (1932–2013)
• Cal Dooley
  American politician, born 1954

What does the name Cal mean?

Various origins: * Borrowed from Spanish Cal. This surname is mostly found in Guatemala. * Borrowed from Polish Cal. * Borrowed from Turkish Çal.

How popular is the name Cal?

In 2025, 4 boys born in England and Wales were named Cal, ranking 4,275th. Its peak was 2003, with 14 births.

Is Cal a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 7,868 US babies named Cal since 1880 were boys.

When was Cal most popular?

2025 in the United States, when 554 babies were named Cal, its highest rank at 543rd.

How do you pronounce Cal?

Cal is /kæl/, one syllable.

Is Cal also a surname?

Yes. Cal is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.