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:
- Kalev Aigro, Nordic combined skier
- Kalev Arro, partisan
- Kalev Ermits, biathlete and cross-country skier
- Kalev Kallemets, politician
- Kalev Kallo, politician
- Kalev Kesküla, writer
- Kalev Mark Kostabi, known as Mark Kostabi, American painter
- Kalev Kotkas, Estonian politician
- Kalev Leetaru, American internet entrepreneur and academic
- Kalev Lillo, Estonian politician
- Kalev Muru, Estonian mountaineer
- Kalev Sepp, American military analyst and strategist and former military officer