Cleave
Pronunciation: [ kl-EEV ]
Does Cleave flow with your last name?
A distinctive boy name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Cleave
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Cleave first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 67 babies have been named Cleave in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cleave is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #32,665 for boy names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Popularity Rank
- #32,665
- Total SSA Count
- 5
Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Sibling Match
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View all →Latin unio (oneness) origin
"the act of joining together, unity, o..."
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Old English/Scottish origin
"little, small"
#32,830 in US
Arabic origin
"trace, impression, mark left behind"
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Old Norse Rádúlfr origin
"wolf counsel"
#32,528 in US
Indigenous Mexican origin
"heart, center"
#32,821 in US
Latin via Spanish origin
"bridge, fifth (born)"
#32,516 in US
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cleave
Is Cleave a boy or girl name?
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How popular is the name Cleave?
What are common nicknames for Cleave?
Is Cleave a common or rare name?
About the Name Cleave
Cleave is a boy name .
Cleave is currently ranked #32,665 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
Common nicknames for Cleave include Cle, Clea, Cleay, Cleaie, Cly, Clie, and Clekins. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Recommended for Parents
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Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis