Cleo

Cleo is a female first name that represents both a short form of Cleopatra and is also used as a boy's name in the form of Cleon and Cleopas. The origin of the name lies in the ancient Greek word kléos, which means 'honor' or 'glory.'

What does the name Cleo mean?

Cleo is on one hand a short form of Cleopatra and on the other hand of Cleon and Cleopas, with the name in standalone use or as a variant of Cleon carrying the meaning 'the glorious one' or 'the famous one.' In the context of Cleopatra or Cleopas, the Latinized forms of the names Kleopatra and Kleopas, Cleo is interpreted as 'glory of the father' or 'the famous one through the father.' These meanings derive from the Greek name Kleópatros, which is composed of kléos and patḗr, the Greek word for 'father' or its genitive patrós. The name gained fame through the Egyptian queen Cleopatra VII in the 1st century BC as well as through Cleopas, a disciple of Jesus mentioned in the Bible. In Germany, Cleo is primarily popular as a girl's name and is increasingly favored, also in the variants Clea and Klea. The form Kleo, however, is less commonly encountered.

Where does the name Cleo come from?

Cleo is a first name with ancient Greek origin that is used for both girls and boys. The meanings include 'the glorious one' as well as 'glory of the father' and others. The name is composed of the ancient Greek kléos (κλέος) for 'honor, glory' and patḗr (πᾰτήρ) for 'father' or patrós (πατρός) for 'of the father.' The languages of the name are German and English.

How do you pronounce Cleo?

The pronunciation of Cleo is two syllables and open. In the German language, the name is usually pronounced as 'Cle-o' [ˈkleːo], with the clear first syllable combined with a harmonious ending. The distinctive sound form gives the name a modern and stylish touch – lively, minimalist, and present.

When is the name day of Cleo?

Cleo, as a short form of the biblical name Cleopas, celebrates its name day on September 25, the day on which Saint Cleopas (also Kleophas) is honored.

Popularity

In Germany, Cleo is among the most popular first names and currently ranks 86th on the list of the most common female baby names. The best placement was achieved in 2023 with 79th place. In the last ten years, Cleo has been given as a first name about 5,200 times, placing it 131st in the ten-year statistics. For the period from 2010 to 2024, it ranks 162nd.

Nicknames & pet names

Celli / Cle / Clea / Cleasy / Clechen / Clele / Cleli / Clelli / Clelo / Cleobe / Cleolein / Cleoliene / Cleomi / Cleonana / Cleopatra / Clo / Leo / Schleo

Famous people

• Cleo A. Odonnell (American football player)
• Cleo Buckman Schwimmer (daughter of David Schwimmer (Friends))
• Cleo Carlyle (Georgian baseball player)
• Cleo Davis (musician from America)
• Cléo de Mérode (*1875) French ballerina and variety dancer, one of the most beautiful women of her time
• Cleo de Merode (French dancer)
• Cleo de Nile (character from Monster High)
• Cleo Demetriou (actress from Cyprus)
• Cleo Hartwig (American sculptor)
• Cleo Higgins (British singer)
• Cleo James (American baseball player)
• Cleo King (American actress)
• Cleo Kretschmer (actress)
• Cleo Laine (British jazz musician)
• Cleo Lemon (football player from America)
• Cleo Littleton (American basketball player)
• Cleo Maletis (model from Germany)
• Cleo Massey (actress)
• Cleo Miller (American American football player)
• Cleo Montgomery (football player from America)