Cleon Unisex
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KLEE-on //ˈkliː.ɒn//
Origin: Greek
Meaning: glory; fame
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cleon has its roots in ancient Greek, derived from the word 'kleos,' which translates to 'glory' or 'fame.' This etymological origin reflects a cultural emphasis on honor and reputation in ancient Greek society. The name appears in various forms in historical texts, with the earliest instances found in classical literature.
Cleon was notably borne by a prominent Athenian general and statesman during the 5th century BCE, who played a significant role in the Peloponnesian War, further embedding the name in historical consciousness. In addition to its political associations, the name Cleon is also linked to figures in Greek literature, such as Cleon of Athens, who is depicted in the works of playwrights like Aristophanes.
His portrayal in the comedic play "The Knights" highlights the complexities of Athenian democracy and the role of influential leaders, illustrating how the name became synonymous with political ambition and public life. The name's presence in such literary works contributed to its recognition and usage in subsequent centuries.
Throughout history, Cleon has maintained a cultural resonance tied to themes of leadership and valor. The name has been adopted in various forms across different cultures, often retaining its original connotations of glory and distinction.
While diminutive forms or variations may exist, the core significance of Cleon as a name associated with notable historical figures and cultural narratives has ensured its endurance over time. The legacy of Cleon is thus intertwined with the broader historical and cultural developments of ancient Greece, reflecting the values and ideals of that era.
Famous people named Cleon
In this section, you will find notable people named Cleon. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Cleon who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Cleon who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Cleon Jones is a former professional baseball player best known for his time with the New York Mets and being part of the 1969 World Series championship team.
Cleon McClure is a former American football player best known for his career in the NFL with the Chicago Bears and the New York Giants.
Fictional characters named Cleon
The following list of fictional characters named Cleon is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Cleon is a fictional character from the science fiction series Foundation by Isaac Asimov. He is the first Emperor of the Galactic Empire, known for his significant role in the political landscape of the series.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Cleon, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Cleon. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cleon was first seen in the United States in 1884.
Cleon has ranked as high as #809 nationally, which occurred in 1921, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, New York, Georgia, Texas, and Indiana.
In the past 5 years the name Cleon has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Cleon is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Cleon was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Cleon (1993)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Cleon.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 |
| 2023 | 9 |
| 2022 | 10 |
| 2021 | 7 |
| 2019 | 5 |
| 2018 | 5 |
| 2016 | 10 |
| 2015 | 11 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2013 | 5 |
| 2011 | 10 |
| 2010 | 9 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2007 | 5 |
| 2006 | 6 |
| 2005 | 11 |
| 2004 | 8 |
| 2003 | 6 |
| 2002 | 14 |
| 2001 | 7 |
| 2000 | 6 |
| 1999 | 11 |
| 1998 | 8 |
| 1997 | 12 |
| 1996 | 7 |
| 1995 | 20 |
| 1994 | 6 |
| 1993 | 20 |
| 1992 | 15 |
| 1991 | 6 |
| 1990 | 18 |
| 1989 | 13 |
| 1988 | 11 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1986 | 16 |
| 1985 | 15 |
| 1984 | 9 |
| 1983 | 9 |
| 1982 | 20 |
| 1981 | 14 |
| 1980 | 13 |
| 1979 | 18 |
| 1978 | 19 |
| 1977 | 17 |
| 1976 | 34 |
| 1975 | 43 |
| 1974 | 37 |
| 1973 | 27 |
| 1972 | 28 |
| 1971 | 40 |
| 1970 | 60 |
| 1969 | 52 |
| 1968 | 27 |
| 1967 | 17 |
| 1966 | 29 |
| 1965 | 17 |
| 1964 | 13 |
| 1963 | 22 |
| 1962 | 19 |
| 1961 | 14 |
| 1960 | 15 |
| 1959 | 23 |
| 1958 | 24 |
| 1957 | 24 |
| 1956 | 32 |
| 1955 | 26 |
| 1954 | 25 |
| 1953 | 25 |
| 1952 | 22 |
| 1951 | 28 |
| 1950 | 28 |
| 1949 | 21 |
| 1948 | 32 |
| 1947 | 37 |
| 1946 | 28 |
| 1945 | 29 |
| 1944 | 24 |
| 1943 | 41 |
| 1942 | 31 |
| 1941 | 36 |
| 1940 | 32 |
| 1939 | 38 |
| 1938 | 43 |
| 1937 | 37 |
| 1936 | 46 |
| 1935 | 32 |
| 1934 | 54 |
| 1933 | 44 |
| 1932 | 52 |
| 1931 | 49 |
| 1930 | 55 |
| 1929 | 50 |
| 1928 | 56 |
| 1927 | 44 |
| 1926 | 41 |
| 1925 | 66 |
| 1924 | 64 |
| 1923 | 50 |
| 1922 | 62 |
| 1921 | 75 |
| 1920 | 57 |
| 1919 | 60 |
| 1918 | 52 |
| 1917 | 45 |
| 1916 | 40 |
| 1915 | 39 |
| 1914 | 38 |
| 1913 | 31 |
| 1912 | 19 |
| 1911 | 12 |
| 1910 | 6 |
| 1909 | 8 |
| 1908 | 11 |
| 1907 | 5 |
| 1905 | 6 |
| 1904 | 5 |
| 1903 | 12 |
| 1902 | 5 |
| 1901 | 7 |
| 1898 | 6 |
| 1896 | 5 |
| 1893 | 6 |
| 1892 | 6 |
| 1887 | 5 |
| 1885 | 5 |
| 1884 | 6 |