What does Cleopatra mean and where does it come from?
Cleopatra originates from the Greek name Κλεοπάτρα, composed of the elements 'kleos' meaning 'glory' and 'pater' meaning 'father.' This name has strong historical connotations, most notably associated with Cleopatra VII, the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. She is often remembere
Cultural significance
Cleopatra has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of κλεοπάτρα, meaning 'glory of the father'.
Peak popularity
Reached #1094 in 1911 — currently #3995 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cleopatra?
Cleopatra works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cleopatra Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cleopatra Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cleopatra Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cleopatra Claire
French influence · crisp
Cleopatra Jane
Literary · strong
Cleopatra Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cleopatra right now?
Falling — down 863 spots — currently #3995 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3995 | 37 | ▼ down 863 · -29% births |
| 2022 | #3132 | 52 | ▲ up 816 · +41% births |
| 2021 | #3948 | 37 | ▼ down 234 · -5% births |
| 2020 | #3714 | 39 | ▲ up 1934 · +70% births |
| 2015 | #5648 | 23 | ▲ up 2627 · +64% births |
| 2010 | #8275 | 14 | ▲ up 3592 · +75% births |
| 2005 | #11867 | 8 | ▼ down 7973 · -75% births |
| 2000 | #3894 | 32 | ▲ up 3652 · +191% births |
| 1995 | #7546 | 11 | ▼ down 1684 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #5862 | 15 | ▼ down 1200 · -6% births |
| 1985 | #4662 | 16 | ▲ up 608 · +23% births |
| 1980 | #5270 | 13 | ▼ down 2852 · -61% births |
| 1975 | #2418 | 33 | ▲ up 4714 · +450% births |
| 1970 | #7132 | 6 | ▼ down 1784 · -14% births |
| 1965 | #5348 | 7 | — |
The story of Cleopatra
Cleopatra has been a beloved American name for over 135 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1889. With 2,265 total births recorded, Cleopatra remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1311 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3995 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Cleopatra in 1911:
Cleopatra by decade
Cleopatra peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6 | |
| 1890s | 39 | |
| 1900s | 61 | |
| 1910s | 221 | |
| 1920s ★ | 340 | |
| 1930s | 210 | |
| 1940s | 134 | |
| 1950s | 130 | |
| 1960s | 88 | |
| 1970s | 238 | |
| 1980s | 158 | |
| 1990s | 190 | |
| 2000s | 168 | |
| 2010s | 243 | |
| 2020s | 39 | |
💎With 2,265 total births, Cleopatra is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cleopatra?
Famous people named Cleopatra
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Cleopatra (modern Greek athlete)
Cleopatra brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
C(
Cleopatra (Greek poet or artist)
Cleopatra helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.
C(
Cleopatra (Byzantine leader)
Cleopatra used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
C(
Cleopatra (ancient philosopher)
Cleopatra 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 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Cleopatra?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cleopatra also consider these
How is Cleopatra written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Cleopatra?
Common questions about the name Cleopatra
What does the name Cleopatra mean?
Cleopatra means "Κλεοπάτρα, meaning 'glory of the father'" — 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 Cleopatra?
Cleopatra is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Cleopatra?
Cleopatra 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 do you pronounce the name Cleopatra?
Cleopatra is a four-syllable name pronounced K L IY2 AH0 P AE1 T R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Cleopatra?
Cleopatra pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.