What does Clellie mean and where does it come from?
Clellie is derived from Clella, which has roots in the name 'Cleo' meaning 'glory' or 'pride'. The name is largely American in origin and seen as a feminine variant of traditionally male names. It gained some attention in the early to mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon.
Cultural significance
Clellie has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of variant of clella, meaning 'famous'.
Peak popularity
Reached #4263 in 1923 — currently #1055 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clellie?
Clellie works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clellie Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clellie Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clellie Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clellie Claire
French influence · crisp
Clellie Jane
Literary · strong
Clellie Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clellie right now?
Holding steady — currently #1055 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1055 | 1,145 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1060 | 1,125 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1065 | 1,095 | — |
The story of Clellie
Clellie entered American naming records in 1923 and has been in use for over 101 years. With 12 total births recorded, Clellie remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1065 in 2021 to #1055 in 2023. Clellie is used for both genders: 58% female and 42% male.
Names that peaked alongside Clellie in 1923:
💎Clellie has only 12 total recorded births since 1923 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clellie?
What names sound and feel like Clellie?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clellie also consider these
Common questions about the name Clellie
What does the name Clellie mean?
Clellie means "Variant of Clella, meaning 'famous'" — 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 Clellie?
Clellie is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Clellie?
Clellie 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 Clellie a common or rare name?
Clellie is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Clellie more of a girl or boy name?
Clellie is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.