What does Clea mean and where does it come from?
Clea is derived from the Greek name Klea, which means 'glory' or 'fame.' It is commonly associated with Clea, a character in ancient Greek mythology and literature. Clea has gained popularity as a given name in modern English-speaking countries. Notable historical figures include Clea, daughter of A
Cultural significance
Clea has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of glory.
Peak popularity
Reached #3020 in 1936 — currently #5961 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Clea?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Clea?
Clea works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clea Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Clea Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Clea Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Clea Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Clea Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Clea Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Clea right now?
Falling — down 629 spots — currently #5961 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5961 | 20 | ▼ down 629 · -17% births |
| 2024 | #5332 | 24 | ▼ down 4603 · -98% births |
| 2023 | #729 | 1,471 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #734 | 1,451 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #739 | 1,421 | ▲ up 7639 · +11742% births |
| 2020 | #8378 | 12 | ▲ up 585 |
| 2015 | #8963 | 12 | ▲ up 1546 · +20% births |
| 2010 | #10509 | 10 | ▼ down 315 |
| 2005 | #10194 | 10 | ▼ down 3671 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #6523 | 16 | ▲ up 387 · +33% births |
| 1990 | #6910 | 12 | ▲ up 756 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #7666 | 8 | ▲ up 635 · +14% births |
| 1980 | #8301 | 7 | ▼ down 2221 · -22% births |
| 1975 | #6080 | 9 | ▼ down 2480 · -31% births |
| 1965 | #3600 | 13 | — |
The story of Clea
Clea entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 713 total births recorded, Clea remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3378 in 1915 to #729 in 2023. Clea is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clea in 1936:
Clea by decade
Clea peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 35 | |
| 1920s | 61 | |
| 1930s | 38 | |
| 1940s | 17 | |
| 1950s | 16 | |
| 1960s | 68 | |
| 1970s | 57 | |
| 1980s | 74 | |
| 1990s | 76 | |
| 2000s ★ | 131 | |
| 2010s | 128 | |
| 2020s | 56 | |
💎Clea has only 713 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clea?
Famous people named Clea
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Clea (Byzantine leader)
Clea used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
C(
Clea (Greek poet or artist)
Clea helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
C(
Clea (modern Greek athlete)
Clea brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
C(
Clea (ancient philosopher)
Clea bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Clea?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clea also consider these
Common questions about the name Clea
What does the name Clea mean?
Clea means "glory" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Clea?
Clea is currently ranked #729 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Clea?
Clea originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How does Clea sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Clea flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Clea ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Clea more of a girl or boy name?
Clea is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.