What does Cletis mean and where does it come from?
Cletis is an infrequently used name with origins in the United States. Its usage is primarily modern, and it reflects a trend of unique name creation. Notably, Cletis is sometimes viewed as a gender-neutral name, though it is predominantly female when given in the current naming landscape.
Cultural significance
Cletis has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from cleotis, a name that signifies one who is famous or renowned.
Peak popularity
Reached #2135 in 1911 — currently #1363 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Cletis?
Cletis works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Cletis Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Cletis Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cletis Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cletis Claire
French influence · crisp
Cletis Jane
Literary · strong
Cletis Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cletis right now?
Holding steady — currently #1363 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1363 | 837 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1368 | 817 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1373 | 787 | ▲ up 3174 · +15640% births |
| 1940 | #4547 | 5 | ▲ up 188 |
| 1930 | #4735 | 5 | ▼ down 1250 · -44% births |
| 1925 | #3485 | 9 | ▼ down 953 · -36% births |
| 1920 | #2532 | 14 | ▲ up 1061 · +100% births |
| 1915 | #3593 | 7 | — |
The story of Cletis
Cletis entered American naming records in 1911 and has been in use for over 113 years. With 1,761 total births recorded, Cletis remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3593 in 1915 to #1363 in 2023. Cletis is used for both genders: 9% female and 91% male.
Names that peaked alongside Cletis in 1911:
Cletis by decade
Cletis peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 6 | |
| 1910s | 242 | |
| 1920s ★ | 428 | |
| 1930s | 313 | |
| 1940s | 203 | |
| 1950s | 130 | |
| 1960s | 276 | |
| 1970s | 96 | |
| 1980s | 52 | |
| 1990s | 15 | |
💎With 1,761 total births, Cletis is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Cletis?
Common
CleCletCletieCletyEtis
What names sound and feel like Cletis?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cletis also consider these
How is Cletis written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Cletis
What does the name Cletis mean?
Cletis means "Derived from Cleotis, a name that signifies one who is famous or renowned" — 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 Cletis?
Cletis 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 Cletis?
Cletis 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 Cletis a common or rare name?
Cletis is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Cletis more of a girl or boy name?
Cletis is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.