Cletus

“called forth”

Greece origin · Unisex name

♂ 96% boys♀ 4% girls

#1438US 2023

762Births / yr

→Stable

7.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 189800

How to pronounce Cletus

klee-təs

/klee-təs/ · · 2 syllables

“called forth”

Greece origin · Unisex name

What does Cletus mean and where does it come from?

Cletus has Greek origins, where it is derived from the word 'kletos', meaning 'called forth'. Originally a masculine name, it is now sometimes used for females as well, undergoing a modern reinterpretation. In Christian tradition, Saint Cletus was one of the early popes, which lends historical signi

Cultural significance

Cletus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of called forth.

Peak popularity

Reached #1691 in 1899 — currently #1438 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Cletus?

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

Cletus Grace

How popular is Cletus right now?

Holding steady — currently #1438 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1438 · Top 1.1%

1915

1920

1925

1935

1940

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1438	762	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1443	742	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1448	712	▲ up 2124 · +10071% births
1940	#3572	7	▲ up 725 · +40% births
1935	#4297	5	▼ down 1627 · -62% births
1925	#2670	13	▲ up 714 · +44% births
1920	#3384	9	▼ down 434
1915	#2950	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cletus

Best Year2023Rank #1438

Peak Count762

Average Rank#2650

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 20238 years

The story of Cletus

Cletus has been a beloved American name for over 126 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1898. With 7,672 total births recorded, Cletus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2950 in 1915 to #1438 in 2023. Cletus is used for both genders: 4% female and 96% male.

Names that peaked alongside Cletus in 1899:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Ruth

Cletus by decade

Cletus peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	10
1890s	90
1900s	185
1910s	1,276
1920s ★	2,013
1930s	1,336
1940s	910
1950s	661
1960s	536
1970s	251
1980s	189
1990s	85
2000s	62
2010s	60
2020s	8

💎With 7,672 total births, Cletus is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Cletus?

Common

CleCletCletieCletyEtus

What names sound and feel like Cletus?

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

Cledus

American · glad, happy

Cleatus

English · A beloved name

American · a surname, possible

Feltus

American · English

How is Cletus written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Cletus

What does the name Cletus mean?

Cletus means "called forth" — 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 Cletus?

Cletus 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 Cletus?

Cletus 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 Cletus a common or rare name?

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

Is Cletus more of a girl or boy name?

Cletus is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.