Cleo Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationKLEE-oh / /ˈkliː.oʊ/Greek; Egyptian
Meaning
Greek: glory; Egyptian: pride
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Cleo is derived from the Greek name Kleo (Κλέω), which means "to glorify" or "to make famous." The root of the name can be traced back to the Greek word "kleos" (κλέος), meaning "glory" or "fame." This name was often associated with the Muses in Greek mythology, particularly with Clio, the Muse of history, who was responsible for recording and glorifying the deeds of the past. The transition of the name into English occurred through Latin, where it was adapted as "Clea," and subsequently into Old French before becoming the modern English form, Cleo.
Historically, the name Cleo has been borne by notable figures, including Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt, who reigned from 51 to 30 BCE. Cleopatra is often remembered for her intelligence, political acumen, and her relationships with Roman leaders Julius Caesar and Mark Antony. The name Cleo, therefore, carries connotations of strength and influence, rooted in the legacy of one of history's most famous queens. Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and translations, contributing to its enduring presence in Western culture.
Culturally, Cleo has been associated with themes of beauty, power, and wisdom, often reflecting the qualities attributed to its historical namesakes. The name's resonance in literature and the arts has further solidified its significance, as it evokes images of grandeur and historical importance. Diminutive forms such as Clea have also emerged, though Cleo remains the most recognized variant. The name's rich etymological background and historical associations contribute to its lasting appeal across different cultures and eras.
Trend Summary
Cleo has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States.
Similar Names
Variants
- Clea
- Cleo
International Variants
- Kleopatra (Greek)
- Clea (Italian)
- Kleopatra (German)
Famous people named Cleo
Cleo Laine is a singer and actress best known for her work in jazz and musical theatre.
Cleo Wade is an author and poet best known for her books Heart Talk and Where to Begin.
Cleo Smith is a child known for her high-profile abduction case in Australia.
Fictional characters named Cleo
Cleo is a fictional character from the animated television series Cleo and Cuquin. She is a young girl who embarks on various adventures with her baby brother Cuquin and their friends.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Cleo was first seen in the United States in 1880. Cleo has ranked as high as #325 nationally, which occurred in 1920, and has been most popular in North Carolina, California, Georgia, Oklahoma, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Cleo has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Cleo (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 85 | |
NY | 37 | |
TX | 36 | |
IL | 24 | |
OH | 18 | |
AZ | 17 | |
PA | 16 | |
UT | 16 | |
MN | 14 | |
MO | 13 | |
TN | 12 | |
CO | 12 | |
FL | 11 | |
NC | 11 | |
IN | 11 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 17 |
1881 | 23 |
1882 | 18 |
1883 | 26 |
1884 | 30 |
1885 | 32 |
1886 | 42 |
1887 | 37 |
1888 | 63 |
1889 | 70 |
1890 | 81 |
1891 | 76 |
1892 | 95 |
1893 | 122 |
1894 | 118 |
1895 | 125 |
1896 | 134 |
1897 | 131 |
1898 | 139 |
1899 | 132 |
1900 | 198 |
1901 | 160 |
1902 | 198 |
1903 | 221 |
1904 | 230 |
1905 | 248 |
1906 | 238 |
1907 | 325 |
1908 | 290 |
1909 | 333 |
1910 | 357 |
1911 | 358 |
1912 | 469 |
1913 | 536 |
1914 | 672 |
1915 | 914 |
1916 | 1,031 |
1917 | 1,009 |
1918 | 1,009 |
1919 | 1,013 |
1920 | 1,049 |
1921 | 992 |
1922 | 991 |
1923 | 883 |
1924 | 909 |
1925 | 812 |
1926 | 730 |
1927 | 662 |
1928 | 606 |
1929 | 584 |
1930 | 515 |
1931 | 482 |
1932 | 455 |
1933 | 417 |
1934 | 448 |
1935 | 426 |
1936 | 350 |
1937 | 391 |
1938 | 387 |
1939 | 312 |
1940 | 301 |
1941 | 275 |
1942 | 277 |
1943 | 244 |
1944 | 213 |
1945 | 182 |
1946 | 203 |
1947 | 212 |
1948 | 168 |
1949 | 164 |
1950 | 156 |
1951 | 133 |
1952 | 167 |
1953 | 135 |
1954 | 143 |
1955 | 147 |
1956 | 142 |
1957 | 106 |
1958 | 98 |
1959 | 94 |
1960 | 71 |
1961 | 76 |
1962 | 79 |
1963 | 55 |
1964 | 75 |
1965 | 60 |
1966 | 53 |
1967 | 39 |
1968 | 37 |
1969 | 33 |
1970 | 31 |
1971 | 34 |
1972 | 35 |
1973 | 40 |
1974 | 40 |
1975 | 28 |
1976 | 24 |
1977 | 32 |
1978 | 31 |
1979 | 36 |
1980 | 29 |
1981 | 25 |
1982 | 24 |
1983 | 29 |
1984 | 23 |
1985 | 39 |
1986 | 39 |
1987 | 38 |
1988 | 33 |
1989 | 30 |
1990 | 39 |
1991 | 38 |
1992 | 53 |
1993 | 35 |
1994 | 41 |
1995 | 39 |
1996 | 59 |
1997 | 56 |
1998 | 61 |
1999 | 50 |
2000 | 66 |
2001 | 74 |
2002 | 69 |
2003 | 58 |
2004 | 51 |
2005 | 51 |
2006 | 58 |
2007 | 63 |
2008 | 48 |
2009 | 72 |
2010 | 78 |
2011 | 87 |
2012 | 124 |
2013 | 81 |
2014 | 100 |
2015 | 119 |
2016 | 144 |
2017 | 153 |
2018 | 222 |
2019 | 270 |
2020 | 303 |
2021 | 355 |
2022 | 445 |
2023 | 488 |
2024 | 495 |