"short form of Cleopatra"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Cleo
Pronunciation: [ kl-EE-oh ]
Does Cleo flow with your last name?
A short, bright name meaning glory — vintage yet utterly fresh
English
American
European
Australian
Vintage
Bold
Literary
Unisex
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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The Story of Cleo
Cleo is a short form of Greek names built on the element kleо́ (κλέος), meaning 'glory' or 'fame' — a concept deeply revered in ancient Greek culture, where glory won in life was considered the only immortality available to humans. The most famous names from this root are Cleopatra ('father's glory') and Cleophanes. Cleo stands on its own as a given name since at least the 19th century, and has become increasingly used for boys as its Leo/Theo-adjacent sound makes it feel natural across genders.
Cleo has been rising steadily as a boy's name in English-speaking countries, riding the wave of vintage revival names like Leo, Arlo, and Theo. While historically more feminine due to the Cleopatra connection, its crisp vowel sound and ease of pronunciation give it modern, unisex appeal. Australian naming data shows Cleo used for both boys and girls.
Cleopatra VII, the last active pharaoh of ancient Egypt, is one of history's most powerful and fascinating figures. Her name — meaning 'glory of the father' — embodied the Greek tradition of fame as legacy. The Cleo element carries this weight of history while remaining light and accessible as a standalone name.
Historical Record
Cleo first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,389 babies have been named Cleo in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cleo is past its peak , currently ranked #4,718 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cleopatra VII was not Egyptian by ethnicity but Macedonian Greek, part of the Ptolemaic dynasty founded by one of Alexander's generals
- Cleo is increasingly used for boys in the US and Australia, joining Leo and Theo as vintage revival names
Cleo in Other Languages
Greek
Κλεο
French
Cleo
Italian
Cleo
Spanish
Cleo
Japanese
クレオ
Popularity Over Time
#4,718
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,718
- Total SSA Count
- 21
- Cultural Origins
- English American European Australian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Casual
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 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, 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cleo
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cleo is also used as a girl name, ranked #603.
View Cleo as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cleo
What does the name Cleo mean?
"short form of Cleopatra" (from Greek). Cleo is a short form of Greek names built on the element kleо́ (κλέος), meaning 'glory' or 'fame' — a concept deeply revered in ancient Greek culture, where glory won in life was considered the only immortality available to humans. The most famous names from this root are Cleopatra ('father's glory') and Cleophanes. Cleo stands on its own as a given name since at least the 19th century, and has become increasingly used for boys as its Leo/Theo-adjacent sound makes it feel natural across genders.
What is the origin of the name Cleo?
Cleo has Greek, English, American, European, and Australian origins. In Greek, it means "short form of Cleopatra".
Is Cleo a boy or girl name?
Cleo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4718. As a girl name, it is ranked #603. 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 #4718 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Cleo?
Popular middle name pairings include Cleo James, Cleo River, Cleo Bear, Cleo Fox, Cleo Sage, Cleo Finn, and Cleo Wolf.
What are good sibling names for Cleo?
Names that pair well with Cleo as siblings include Leo, Milo, Nova, Iris, Arlo, Felix, and Wren.
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 an uncommon name, ranked #4718 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Cleo?
About the Name Cleo
Cleo is a boy name with English, American, European, and Australian origins . The name means "short form of Cleopatra" in Greek .
Is Cleo a boy or girl name? Cleo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4,718 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #603. Cleo is more commonly used as a girl name.
Cleo is currently ranked #4,718 in popularity for boy 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 Clement, Clemente . 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