Girl · 214th of 9,107
Cleo
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
44,552
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1920
Peak Popularity Year
1,399
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Cleo stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Cleo is a name of Greek origin meaning 'glory' or 'fame.' It evolved from the Greek Kleopatra to the modern English Cleo. The name is often associated with strong historical figures, particularly Cleopatra VII of Egypt. It has no biblical relevance and gained popularity in the late 19th century. Today, Cleo is seen as a fashionable name with positive connotations.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkliːoʊ/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Cleo is derived from the Greek name 'Kleopatra,' which means 'glory' or 'fame.' It is often associated with the famous Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII.
Meaning
glory, fame
Language Evolution
Kleopatra (Greek), Cleopatra (Latin), Cleo (modern English)
Historical Usage
Cleo gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as a standalone name, often seen as a short form of Cleopatra.
Variants & Derivatives
Clea, Cleopatra, Cleo
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Cleo is perceived as a stylish and modern name, often associated with strong and independent female figures.
Famous People
Cleo Laine, Cleo Smith
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,399 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 45 US states, with strongest presence in Arkansas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 14 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 5 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 14 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 316th of 7545 | 5,285 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 449th of 6773 | 3,104 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 799th of 7552 | 1,607 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1470th of 10718 | 558 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 2863rd of 16616 | 332 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6674th of 24088 | 170 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5409th of 23106 | 203 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 214th of 9107 | 16,639 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 336th of 9204 | 6,865 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 890th of 12526 | 2,424 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2258th of 19264 | 582 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2943rd of 27321 | 584 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2535th of 35406 | 1,066 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1006th of 30306 | 3,175 |