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Cleo Unisex

Popularity: #503 · Trend: ↗ Rising

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)

StateBirthsShare
CA 85
19%
NY 37
8%
TX 36
8%
IL 24
5%
OH 18
4%
AZ 17
4%
PA 16
4%
UT 16
4%
MN 14
3%
MO 13
3%
TN 12
3%
CO 12
3%
FL 11
3%
NC 11
3%
IN 11
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188017
188123
188218
188326
188430
188532
188642
188737
188863
188970
189081
189176
189295
1893122
1894118
1895125
1896134
1897131
1898139
1899132
1900198
1901160
1902198
1903221
1904230
1905248
1906238
1907325
1908290
1909333
1910357
1911358
1912469
1913536
1914672
1915914
19161,031
19171,009
19181,009
19191,013
19201,049
1921992
1922991
1923883
1924909
1925812
1926730
1927662
1928606
1929584
1930515
1931482
1932455
1933417
1934448
1935426
1936350
1937391
1938387
1939312
1940301
1941275
1942277
1943244
1944213
1945182
1946203
1947212
1948168
1949164
1950156
1951133
1952167
1953135
1954143
1955147
1956142
1957106
195898
195994
196071
196176
196279
196355
196475
196560
196653
196739
196837
196933
197031
197134
197235
197340
197440
197528
197624
197732
197831
197936
198029
198125
198224
198329
198423
198539
198639
198738
198833
198930
199039
199138
199253
199335
199441
199539
199659
199756
199861
199950
200066
200174
200269
200358
200451
200551
200658
200763
200848
200972
201078
201187
2012124
201381
2014100
2015119
2016144
2017153
2018222
2019270
2020303
2021355
2022445
2023488
2024495