Clea
Meanings & Origins
"short form of Cleopatra"
Popularity
Mockery Risk Analysis Premium
Surname Harmony Premium
Enter your surname above to see harmony analysis
“An elegant Greek name meaning glory and fame”
Origin & Etymology
Clea derives from the Greek word kleos, meaning glory or fame. It is a shortened form of names like Cleopatra (glory of the father) and Cleoniki (glory of victory). The name has been used in ancient Greece and was popularized in literature and art throughout European history.
Popularity Story
Clea has maintained a quiet, literary following particularly in France and the UK, favored by parents who appreciate classical Greek roots with elegant simplicity. Lawrence Durrell gave the name prominence with his 1960 novel Clea, part of the Alexandria Quartet.
Cultural Significance
In ancient Greece, kleos represented the highest social ideal — the lasting fame earned through great deeds. The name Clea thus carries a legacy of aspiration and cultural achievement.
Fun Facts
- Clea shares its root with Cleopatra, meaning the name literally means glory
- Lawrence Durrell used Clea as the title of the final novel in his famous Alexandria Quartet (1960)
- The Greek concept of kleos was central to Homeric epics — heroes fought to win kleos for eternity