Cleo

Pronunciation: [ kl-EE-oh ]

Girl Name #603 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A short, bold name echoing glory and ancient queens

English French American European

Vintage Bold Literary Elegant

Meaning & Origin

"glory, fame"

Origin: Greek

Language: Greek

"short form of Cleopatra: glory of the father"

Origin: Greek

Language: English

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.

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

Famous People Named Cleo

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

Clio (Greek Muse) Fictional

Other

The Greek Muse of history, one of the nine Muses who presided over the arts and sciences

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)

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

Clementine #478 Cleopatra #3450

Pairs Well With

Cleo Rose Cleo Jade Cleo Simone Cleo Fleur Cleo Mae Cleo Pearl

Sibling Names

Felix Theo Jasper Iris Phoebe Hugo

Also a Boy Name

Cleo is also used as a boy name, ranked #4718.

View Cleo as a boy name →

Similar Names

Lee Leo Leon Milo Geo Theo Levy Toby

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Cleo and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Cleo sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

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.

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.