"glory, fame"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
Cleo
Pronunciation: [ kl-EE-oh ]
Does Cleo flow with your last name?
A short, bold name echoing glory and ancient queens
English
French
American
European
Vintage
Bold
Literary
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"short form of Cleopatra: glory of the father"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
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The Story of Cleo
Cleo is a short form of Cleopatra, composed of the Greek elements 'kleos' (glory, fame) and 'pater' (father), meaning 'glory of the father.' It is also a standalone name related to Clio, the Greek Muse of history. The name kleos was one of the highest values in ancient Greek culture — the immortal fame that heroes sought through great deeds that would be sung by poets for eternity.
Cleo has seen a significant revival in the 2010s and 2020s as part of the broader trend of short, punchy vintage names. It follows the same pattern as Leo, Theo, and Beau. Its connection to both ancient Egypt and Greek mythology gives it an intellectual glamour that resonates with modern parents.
Cleopatra VII, the last pharaoh of ancient Egypt, is one of the most iconic women in history — making Cleo a name with extraordinary historical weight. The Muse Clio presided over history itself in Greek mythology, giving the name an additional layer of intellectual distinction.
Historical Record
Cleo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 7,084 babies have been named Cleo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cleo is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #603 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cleopatra spoke nine languages and was the first Ptolemaic ruler to learn Egyptian
- The Muse Clio gave her name to the Clio Awards, the prestigious advertising industry prizes
- Cleo is increasingly popular in France, where it ranks among the top 50 girl names
Cleo in Other Languages
Greek
Κλεώ
French
Cléo
Italian
Cleo
Spanish
Cleo
Egyptian
Cleopatra
Popularity Over Time
#603
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cleo
C
Cleopatra VII
Royalty
Last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt (69–30 BCE), one of the most powerful and celebrated women in world ...
Last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt (69–30 BCE), one of the most powerful and celebrated women in world history
C
Clio (Greek Muse) Fictional
Other
The Greek Muse of history, one of the nine Muses who presided over the arts and sciences
C
Cleo (H2O: Just Add Water) Fictional
Other
One of the three main mermaid characters in the popular Australian children's TV series H2O: Just Add Water (2006–2010)
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #603
- Total SSA Count
- 495
- Cultural Origins
- English French American European
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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, smooth 2-1 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cleo
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Cleo is also used as a boy name, ranked #4718.
View Cleo as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cleo
What does the name Cleo mean?
"glory, fame" (from Greek). "short form of Cleopatra: glory of the father" (from Greek). Cleo is a short form of Cleopatra, composed of the Greek elements 'kleos' (glory, fame) and 'pater' (father), meaning 'glory of the father.' It is also a standalone name related to Clio, the Greek Muse of history. The name kleos was one of the highest values in ancient Greek culture — the immortal fame that heroes sought through great deeds that would be sung by poets for eternity.
What is the origin of the name Cleo?
Cleo has Greek, English, French, American, and European origins. In Greek, it means "glory, fame". In Greek, it means "short form of Cleopatra: glory of the father".
Is Cleo a boy or girl name?
Cleo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #603. As a boy name, it is ranked #4718. Cleo is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Cleo?
Cleo is pronounced kl-EE-oh.
How popular is the name Cleo?
Cleo is currently ranked #603 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Cleo?
Popular middle name pairings include Cleo Rose, Cleo Jade, Cleo Simone, Cleo Fleur, Cleo Mae, and Cleo Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Cleo?
Names that pair well with Cleo as siblings include Felix, Theo, Jasper, Iris, Phoebe, and Hugo.
How many syllables does Cleo have?
Cleo has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Cleo a common or rare name?
Cleo is moderately common, ranked #603 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Cleo?
Are there other spellings for Cleo?
Related spellings include Clementine, Cleopatra.
About the Name Cleo
Cleo is a girl name with English, French, American, and European origins . The name means "glory, fame" in Greek .
Is Cleo a boy or girl name? Cleo is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #603 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #4,718. Cleo is more commonly used as a girl name.
Cleo is currently ranked #603 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Cleo has 2 syllables and is pronounced kl-EE-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Cleo include Clementine, Cleopatra . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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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