Kalev (given name)


Kalev is an Estonian masculine given name, derived from national folk hero Kalev. Related Finnish names are Kaleva and Kalevi.
Its meaning is most often "giant", "tall strong man". The etymology is uncertain. The Russian word голова, "head" as in "headman" has been suggested, but is linguistically anachronistic. However, it could be Baltic, Finnic or Norse. It appears in historical records from 15th century onwards, although an uncertain mention dates to the 12th century.
People named Kalev include: