What does Clete mean and where does it come from?
Clete is a diminutive of the name Cleon, which has Greek origins. The name Cleon means 'glory' or 'fame'. It has been used as a given name in the United States since the 20th century. Notable people with the name Clete include Clete Boyer, an American Major League Baseball player.
Cultural significance
Clete has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of glory.
Peak popularity
Reached #1909 in 1965 — currently #1696 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Clete?
Clete works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Clete Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Clete Rose
Floral · soft ending
Clete Mae
Sweet · timeless
Clete Claire
French influence · crisp
Clete Jane
Literary · strong
Clete Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Clete right now?
Holding steady — currently #1696 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1696 | 504 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1701 | 484 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1706 | 454 | ▲ up 8666 · +7467% births |
| 2005 | #10372 | 6 | ▲ up 243 · +20% births |
| 2000 | #10615 | 5 | ▼ down 5445 · -29% births |
| 1980 | #5170 | 7 | ▼ down 67 · +17% births |
| 1975 | #5103 | 6 | ▼ down 2252 · -50% births |
| 1970 | #2851 | 12 | ▼ down 942 · -33% births |
| 1965 | #1909 | 18 | ▲ up 834 · +80% births |
| 1955 | #2743 | 10 | — |
The story of Clete
Clete entered American naming records in 1948 and has been in use for over 76 years. With 281 total births recorded, Clete remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2743 in 1955 to #1696 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Clete in 1965:
Clete by decade
Clete peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 44 | |
| 1960s ★ | 96 | |
| 1970s | 67 | |
| 1980s | 27 | |
| 2000s | 21 | |
| 2010s | 20 | |
💎Clete has only 281 total recorded births since 1948 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Clete?
What names sound and feel like Clete?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Clete also consider these
Common questions about the name Clete
What does the name Clete mean?
Clete means "Glory" — 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 Clete?
Clete 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 Clete?
Clete 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.
How does Clete sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Clete flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Clete ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.
Is Clete a common or rare name?
Clete is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.