kalb

Kalb is a term that appears in several languages and contexts, with meanings that vary by usage. In German, Kalb is a common noun meaning calf, and it also functions as a surname. As a surname, Kalb likely originates from a nickname or from an occupation associated with cattle, or from a place name, and it is found among German-speaking communities and their descendants.

In Arabic, kalb (كلب) is the word for dog, and kalb is a common transliteration in English of that word. A related term, qalb (قلب), means heart, and transliteration can vary between kalb and qalb depending on regional conventions. The two words are distinct in meaning but can appear together in linguistic discussions of Arabic.

Kalb also appears in geographic names, toponyms, and personal names in regions influenced by Arabic or German linguistic traditions. The usage in place names is diverse and not tied to a single country.

In popular or scholarly writing, Kalb may be encountered as a surname, a transliteration of an Arabic word, or as part of a larger toponym. See also Kalbi, Qalb, and Calf for related terms.