Clete Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: KLEET //klit//
Origin: Greek; English
Meaning: Greek: Glory; English: Short form of Cleon
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Clete is derived from the Greek name "Kletos," meaning "called" or "invoked." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, transitioning from Greek to Latin as "Cletus" before entering Old French and subsequently English. The Latin form "Cletus" was used in early Christian texts, particularly in reference to Saint Cletus, who is recognized as the third pope of the Roman Catholic Church, serving during the first century CE.
His papacy is noted in early Christian writings, including the "Liber Pontificalis," which chronicles the lives of the popes. Saint Cletus is often associated with the establishment of the early Christian community in Rome, and his name has been venerated in various liturgical contexts.
The name Clete, as a diminutive form, reflects a common practice of shortening names for familiarity and affection, a trend that has persisted through centuries in various cultures. The use of Clete in English-speaking contexts can be traced back to the 19th century, where it began to appear more frequently in written records.
Culturally, the name Clete carries connotations of divine calling, reflecting its etymological roots. This association with being 'called' has resonated within religious communities, particularly among those who value the historical significance of saints and their contributions to the faith.
The name's connection to early Christian history and its enduring presence in religious texts contribute to its lasting significance, even as it remains less common in contemporary naming practices.
Famous people named Clete
In this section, you will find notable people named Clete. 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 Clete who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Clete 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.
Clete Boyer is a former professional baseball player best known for playing with the New York Yankees, Kansas City Athletics, and Atlanta Braves.
Clete Roberts is a television journalist best known for his work with CBS News and for covering the Vietnam War.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Clete, 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 Clete. 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 Clete was first seen in the United States in 1948.
Clete has ranked as high as #4498 nationally, which occurred in 1965, and has been most popular in California.
In the past 5 years the name Clete has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Clete 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 Clete was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
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 Clete.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | 6 | 6 |
| 2014 | 7 | 7 |
| 2013 | 7 | 7 |
| 2008 | 5 | 5 |
| 2006 | 5 | 5 |
| 2005 | 6 | 6 |
| 2000 | 5 | 5 |
| 1989 | 10 | 10 |
| 1988 | 5 | 5 |
| 1986 | 5 | 5 |
| 1980 | 7 | 7 |
| 1979 | 7 | 7 |
| 1977 | 6 | 6 |
| 1976 | 5 | 5 |
| 1975 | 6 | 6 |
| 1974 | 9 | 9 |
| 1973 | 6 | 6 |
| 1972 | 10 | 10 |
| 1971 | 6 | 6 |
| 1970 | 12 | 12 |
| 1969 | 9 | 9 |
| 1968 | 12 | 12 |
| 1967 | 7 | 7 |
| 1966 | 6 | 6 |
| 1965 | 18 | 18 |
| 1964 | 12 | 12 |
| 1963 | 14 | 14 |
| 1962 | 6 | 6 |
| 1961 | 12 | 12 |
| 1959 | 8 | 8 |
| 1956 | 7 | 7 |
| 1955 | 10 | 10 |
| 1954 | 7 | 7 |
| 1953 | 7 | 7 |
| 1952 | 5 | 5 |
| 1948 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Clete (1953)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 5 |