Cleve

“one who lives near a cliff or hill”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 99% boys♀ 1% girls

#1089US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

4.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 191800

How to pronounce Cleve

KLEEV

/ˈkliːv/ · stress on KLEEV · 1 syllable

“one who lives near a cliff or hill”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Cleve mean and where does it come from?

The name Cleve is relatively uncommon and thought to be derived from an English place name. It may also be used as a diminutive or variation of names like Cleo or Cleopatra. The use of Cleve as a first name isn't widespread but has seen some usage in the United States. Various places named Cleve exi

Cultural significance

Cleve has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of one who lives near a cliff or hill.

Peak popularity

Reached #4245 in 1928 — currently #1089 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Cleve?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Cleave

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Cleve?

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

Cleve Grace

How popular is Cleve right now?

Holding steady — currently #1089 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#1089 · Top 0.80%

1925

1930

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1089	1,111	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1094	1,091	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1099	1,061	▲ up 3501 · +21120% births
1930	#4600	5	▼ down 136 · -17% births
1925	#4464	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cleve

Best Year2023Rank #1089

Peak Count1,111

Average Rank#2469

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1925 - 20235 years

The story of Cleve

Cleve entered American naming records in 1918 and has been in use for over 106 years. With 4,528 total births recorded, Cleve remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4464 in 1925 to #1089 in 2023. Cleve is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.

Names that peaked alongside Cleve in 1928:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Cleve by decade

Cleve peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	295
1890s	219
1900s	171
1910s	490
1920s	580
1930s	502
1940s	553
1950s ★	681
1960s	400
1970s	294
1980s	185
1990s	104
2000s	44
2010s	10

💎With 4,528 total births, Cleve is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Cleve?

Common

CleClevClevieClevy

What names sound and feel like Cleve?

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

Clete

American · Glory

Clee

American · Old English

Steve

American · Crown, garland

Clere

Greek · A Greek name

Leve

Scandinavian countries · Scandinavian

Common questions about the name Cleve

What does the name Cleve mean?

Cleve means "one who lives near a cliff or hill" — 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 Cleve?

Cleve 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 Cleve?

Cleve 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 do you pronounce the name Cleve?

Cleve is a one-syllable name pronounced K L IY1 V. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Cleve sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Cleve flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Cleve ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.