"called forth, gloriously summoned"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Cletus
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An ancient papal name with rural American roots
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English
Christian
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Nicknames
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2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"renowned, called"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Latin
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with rural American stereotypes and the Simpsons character Cletus the Slack-jawed Yokel (since 1993)
The Story of Cletus
Cletus is an Anglicized form of the Greek name Anacletus or Akletos, meaning called forth or summoned. It was borne by Saint Cletus (also called Anacletus), the third pope of Rome, who served in the late 1st century AD. The name came to the American South and Midwest through Catholic and Protestant traditions.
Cletus peaked in the rural American South and Midwest during the early 20th century. Its use declined sharply after The Simpsons introduced the character Cletus the Slack-jawed Yokel in 1993, cementing a strong rural stereotype in popular culture.
Saint Cletus (Pope Anacletus) is considered one of the early martyrs of the Catholic Church. The name carries deep Catholic historical significance, though this is largely overshadowed in modern American culture by its pop culture associations.
Historical Record
Cletus first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,878 babies have been named Cletus in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cletus is past its peak , currently ranked #19,830 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Saint Cletus was the 3rd Pope of Rome, serving around 80-92 AD
- The names pop culture image was transformed permanently by The Simpsons character debuting in 1993
Cletus in Other Languages
Greek
Κλητός
Latin
Cletus
Italian
Cleto
Spanish
Cleto
Portuguese
Cleto
Popularity Over Time
#19,830
Current Rank
Peaked 1951
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cletus
P
Pope Cletus (Anacletus)
Religious
Third pope of the Catholic Church, served approximately 80-92 AD, considered a martyr
C
Cletus the Slack-Jawed Yokel Fictional
Entertainer
Recurring character on The Simpsons known for his exaggerated rural stereotype
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #19,830
- Total SSA Count
- 6
- Cultural Origins
- American English Christian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Clete
Clet
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cletus
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Cletus
Phonetic neighbors that share Cletus's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cletus is also used as a girl name, ranked #70708.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cletus
What does the name Cletus mean?
"called forth, gloriously summoned" (from Greek). "renowned, called" (from Ancient Greek). Cletus is an Anglicized form of the Greek name Anacletus or Akletos, meaning called forth or summoned. It was borne by Saint Cletus (also called Anacletus), the third pope of Rome, who served in the late 1st century AD. The name came to the American South and Midwest through Catholic and Protestant traditions.
What is the origin of the name Cletus?
Cletus has Greek, Ancient Greek, American, English, and Christian origins. In Greek, it means "called forth, gloriously summoned". In Ancient Greek, it means "renowned, called".
Is Cletus a boy or girl name?
Cletus is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #19830. As a girl name, it is ranked #70708. Cletus is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Cletus?
Cletus is currently ranked #19830 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cletus?
Common nicknames for Cletus include Clete and Clet.
What are good middle names for Cletus?
Popular middle name pairings include Cletus James, Cletus Ray, Cletus Eugene, Cletus Dale, Cletus Wayne, and Cletus Earl.
What are good sibling names for Cletus?
Names that pair well with Cletus as siblings include Earl, Dewey, Virgil, Myrtle, Thelma, and Otis.
How many syllables does Cletus have?
Cletus has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cletus a common or rare name?
Cletus is an uncommon name, ranked #19830 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Cletus
Cletus is a boy name with American, English, and Christian origins . The name means "called forth, gloriously summoned" in Greek .
Is Cletus a boy or girl name? Cletus is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #19,830 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #70,708. Cletus is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cletus is currently ranked #19,830 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cletus has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Cletus include Clete and Clet. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis