Cleave

“slope, hill”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1733US 2023

467Births / yr

→Stable

403All-time births

📅 Since 188500.01% of births at peak

What does Cleave mean and where does it come from?

Cleave has a dual meaning derived from its Old English roots. It can refer to geographical features like hills, as well as the action of splitting. This name has historical significance, with its usage often found in medieval English and can also indicate strength and decisiveness. While not very co

Cultural significance

Cleave has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of slope, hill.

Peak popularity

Reached #916 in 1885 — currently #1733 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Cleave?

Cleave works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cleave Grace

How popular is Cleave right now?

Holding steady — currently #1733 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1885–2023#1733 · Top 1.3%

1885

1890

1900

1905

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1950

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1733	467	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2022	#1738	447	▲ up 5 · +7% births
2021	#1743	417	▲ up 731 · +4070% births
1950	#2474	10	▲ up 1050 · +100% births
1940	#3524	5	▼ down 522 · -29% births
1935	#3002	7	▲ up 334
1930	#3336	7	▲ up 113
1925	#3449	7	▼ down 1534 · -61% births
1920	#1915	18	▲ up 1214 · +157% births
1915	#3129	7	▼ down 1633 · +17% births
1910	#1496	6	▼ down 164 · +20% births
1905	#1332	5	▲ up 83
1900	#1415	5	▼ down 438 · -17% births
1890	#977	6	▼ down 61
1885	#916	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cleave

Best Year1905Rank #1332

Peak Count467

Average Rank#2330

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202313 years

The story of Cleave

Cleave has been a beloved American name for over 139 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1885. With 403 total births recorded, Cleave remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #916 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1733 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Cleave in 1885:

John William James George Charles

Cleave by decade

Cleave peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	17
1890s	24
1900s	15
1910s	77
1920s ★	107
1930s	63
1940s	33
1950s	57
1960s	5
1970s	5

💎Cleave has only 403 total recorded births since 1885 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Cleave?

Common

CleCleavCleavieCleavyAve

What names sound and feel like Cleave?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cleave also consider these

Cleaven

English · variant form of

Cleare

Greek · A Greek name

Cleve

American · one who lives

Steave

American · English

Clive

English · cliff or river

Common questions about the name Cleave

What does the name Cleave mean?

Cleave means "slope, hill" — a name rooted in English 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 Cleave?

Cleave is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Cleave?

Cleave originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Cleave a common or rare name?

Cleave is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Cleave?

Cleave naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.