Clea

“glory”

Greek origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#729US 2023

1.5kBirths / yr

→Stable

713All-time births

📅 Since 191400

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 #729 in the US.

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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 Grace

How popular is Clea right now?

Holding steady — currently #729 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#729 · Top 0.54%

1920

1925

1965

1975

1980

1985

1990

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▼ down 525 · +18% births
1925	#3075	11	▲ up 1164 · +57% births
1920	#4239	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Clea

Best Year2023Rank #729

Peak Count1,471

Average Rank#5626

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202316 years

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:

Mary Shirley Barbara Betty Patricia

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	12

💎Clea has only 713 total recorded births since 1914 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Clea?

Common

CleieCley

Famous people named Clea

Clea (Byzantine leader)

Clea used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Clea (Greek poet or artist)

Clea helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

Clea (modern Greek athlete)

Clea brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.

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

English · A beloved name

Lea

Hebrew · weary

Klea

Albania · glory, honor

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.