Clete

“Glory”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1696US 2023

504Births / yr

→Stable

281All-time births

📅 Since 194800

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.

🌿

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

How popular is Clete right now?

Holding steady — currently #1696 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#1696 · Top 1.3%

1955

1965

1970

1975

1980

2000

2005

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Clete

Best Year2023Rank #1696

Peak Count504

Average Rank#4387

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1955 - 202310 years

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:

Michael John David James Robert

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?

Common

CleCletCletieClety

What names sound and feel like Clete?

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

Cleve

American · one who lives

Clee

American · Old English

Clate

American · to be strong

English · from Britain

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.