Caliban from The Tempest
Fictional character created by William Shakespeare, representing the native inhabitant of a mysterious island.
IPA Pronunciation
ˈkælɪbən
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Syllables
Caliban is derived from Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest' where he is depicted as the son of a witch and a devil, representing the island's native inhabitant. The name may be a variant of 'cannibal,' reflecting the character's wild nature. It evokes themes of nature, otherness, and misunderstood beings in literature.
Cultural Significance of Caliban
Caliban is a pivotal character in Shakespeare’s 'The Tempest,' symbolizing colonial and postcolonial themes. He embodies the tension between civilization and nature, colonizer and native, making the name culturally rich and significant in literary studies. The character's complexity has inspired numerous adaptations reflecting societal views on identity and power.
Caliban Name Popularity in 2025
Though rare as a baby name, Caliban has gained niche appeal among literary enthusiasts and parents seeking unique, meaningful names with depth. Its unisex use is modern, reflecting contemporary trends toward gender-neutral names. The name stands out for its strong literary roots and evocative qualities, though it remains unconventional in mainstream naming charts.
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International Variations10
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More Names Starting With C10
Name Energy & Essence
The name Caliban carries the essence of “Island dweller; a complex figure from Shakespeare's The Tempest” from Literary/English tradition. Names beginning with "C" often embody qualities of creativity, communication, and charm.
Symbolism
Cultural Significance
Caliban is a pivotal character in Shakespeare’s 'The Tempest,' symbolizing colonial and postcolonial themes. He embodies the tension between civilization and nature, colonizer and native, making the name culturally rich and significant in literary studies. The character's complexity has inspired numerous adaptations reflecting societal views on identity and power.
Caliban (Mythical Figure)
Though fictional, Caliban has been interpreted in various mythological and cultural critiques as a symbol of nature and the 'other.'
Caliban in Postcolonial Studies
Used as a critical symbol by theorists like Edward Said and Homi Bhabha to discuss colonialism and identity.
Caliban (Stage Name)
Musician
Caliban Rojas
Visual Artist
Caliban Jones
Writer
The Tempest ()
Prospero's Books ()
Forbidden Planet ()
Shakespearean Theatre Productions ()
The Tempest (2010 film) ()
Caliban's War (Book and audiobook) ()
A Tempest ()
Caliban’s Dream (musical piece) ()
Calibán
🌐Spanish
Caliban
🌐French
Caliban
🌐German
Calibano
🌐Italian
カリバン (Kariban)
🌐Japanese
卡利班 (Kǎlìbān)
🌐Chinese
كاليبان
🌐Arabic
Fun Fact About Caliban
Caliban was originally conceived by Shakespeare as a symbol of the colonized, and his name may be a play on 'cannibal,' highlighting early modern European views of indigenous peoples.
Personality Traits for Caliban
Individuals named Caliban are often viewed as complex, independent, and deeply connected to nature and authenticity. They may be perceived as mysterious or misunderstood, with a strong inner world and resilience. The name suggests creativity, depth, and a nonconformist spirit, appealing to those who value uniqueness and profound identity.
What does the name Caliban mean?
Caliban is a Literary/English name meaning “Island dweller; a complex figure from Shakespeare's The Tempest”. Caliban is derived from Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest' where he is depicted as the son of a witch and a devil, representing the island's native inhabitant. The name may be a variant of 'cannibal,' reflecting the character's wild nature. It evokes themes of nature, otherness, and misunderstood beings in literature.
How do you pronounce Caliban?
Caliban is pronounced (IPA: ˈkælɪbən). It has 2 syllables with the pattern N/A.
What are nicknames for Caliban?
Popular nicknames for Caliban include: Cal, Cali, Ban, Ibby, Calib, Kibi, Bani, Calbo, Calz, C-Ban.
Who are famous people named Caliban?
Famous people named Caliban include: , , , Caliban (Stage Name), Caliban Rojas.
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Caliban is a beautiful Literary/English name meaning “Island dweller; a complex figure from Shakespeare's The Tempest”. Caliban is derived from Shakespeare's play 'The Tempest' where he is depicted as the son of a witch and a devil, representing the island's native inhabitant. The name may be a variant of 'cannibal,' r...
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