Kal is a short form used on its own, most often of Kalvin, a spelling of Calvin that comes from the French chauve and means "bald", or of Kalel, after Superman's Kryptonian name Kal-El. Actor Kal Penn, born Kalpen Modi, shows a third route, from an Indian name. Kal peaked at number 2048 in 2021 and ranks number 2320 in 2025, with 60 boys given the name.