Cletes

“famous/glorious”

Greece origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#955US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

16All-time births

📅 Since 191500

What does Cletes mean and where does it come from?

Cletes is derived from the Greek name 'Kletos' (Κλήτος), meaning 'glorious' or 'famous'. It has historical roots in ancient Greece and has been borne by several figures in Greco-Roman literature. The name is largely uncommon in modern times but may still be found in regions influenced by Greek cultu

Cultural significance

Cletes has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of famous/glorious.

Peak popularity

Reached #3699 in 1915 — currently #955 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Cletes?

Cletes works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cletes Grace

How popular is Cletes right now?

Holding steady — currently #955 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#955 · Top 0.70%

1915

1920

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#955	1,245	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#960	1,225	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#965	1,195	▲ up 3656 · +23800% births
1920	#4621	5	▼ down 922 · -17% births
1915	#3699	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cletes

Best Year2023Rank #955

Peak Count1,245

Average Rank#2240

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1915 - 20235 years

The story of Cletes

Cletes entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 16 total births recorded, Cletes remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3699 in 1915 to #955 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Cletes in 1915:

John William James Robert Joseph

💎Cletes has only 16 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Cletes?

Common

CleCletCletieCletyEtes

What names sound and feel like Cletes?

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

Cleres

Greek · A Greek name

Cletus

Greece · called forth

Clete

American · Glory

lenes

Greece · a variant of

Common questions about the name Cletes

What does the name Cletes mean?

Cletes means "famous/glorious" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Cletes?

Cletes is currently ranked #955 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 Cletes?

Cletes originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Cletes a common or rare name?

Cletes is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Cletes?

Cletes 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.