What does Cleavon mean and where does it come from?
Cleavon is considered an American name, derived from the English word 'cleave,' which relates to a 'cliff' or 'to split.' It is not commonly used today, but has made appearances in American pop culture. Notably, Cleavon Little was an American actor who gained fame for his role in the film 'Blazing S
Cultural significance
Cleavon has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of cliff-side.
Peak popularity
Reached #1395 in 1973 — currently #1936 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cleavon?
Cleavon works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cleavon Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cleavon Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cleavon Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cleavon Claire
French influence · crisp
Cleavon Jane
Literary · strong
Cleavon Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cleavon right now?
Holding steady — currently #1936 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1936 | 264 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2022 | #1941 | 244 | ▲ up 5 · +14% births |
| 2021 | #1946 | 214 | ▲ up 9735 · +4180% births |
| 2005 | #11681 | 5 | ▼ down 5726 · -17% births |
| 1985 | #5955 | 6 | ▼ down 213 |
| 1980 | #5742 | 6 | ▼ down 3045 · -60% births |
| 1975 | #2697 | 15 | ▼ down 345 · -6% births |
| 1970 | #2352 | 16 | ▲ up 1249 · +167% births |
| 1950 | #3601 | 6 | — |
The story of Cleavon
Cleavon entered American naming records in 1921 and has been in use for over 103 years. With 241 total births recorded, Cleavon remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3601 in 1950 to #1936 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cleavon in 1973:
Cleavon by decade
Cleavon peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1930s | 9 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 6 | |
| 1970s ★ | 134 | |
| 1980s | 50 | |
| 1990s | 17 | |
| 2000s | 15 | |
💎Cleavon has only 241 total recorded births since 1921 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Cleavon?
Common
CleCleavCleavieCleavyAvon
What names sound and feel like Cleavon?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cleavon also consider these
Common questions about the name Cleavon
What does the name Cleavon mean?
Cleavon means "Cliff-side" — a name rooted in American 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 Cleavon?
Cleavon 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 Cleavon?
Cleavon originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Cleavon a common or rare name?
Cleavon is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Cleavon?
Cleavon 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.