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.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Cletus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Cletus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Cletus Claire
French influence · crisp
Cletus Jane
Literary · strong
Cletus Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Cletus right now?
Holding steady — currently #1438 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
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
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.