Caleb

Caleb comes from the Hebrew Kalev, which is most often connected with kelev, meaning dog, a symbol of loyalty in this context, though it is also read as kol lev, meaning whole-hearted. In the Book of Numbers, Caleb is one of the twelve spies sent by Moses to explore the land of Canaan. Only he and Joshua brought back an encouraging report, and as a reward they were the only adults of their generation permitted to enter the Promised Land. English Puritans adopted the name after the Reformation and carried it to the American colonies. John Steinbeck used it for Caleb Trask in East of Eden.