"glory of the father"
Origin: Greek kleos + pater
Language: Greek
Cleophus
Does Cleophus flow with your last name?
A rare Greek treasure meaning glory of the father
American
African American
Greek
Vintage
Bold
Traditional
Unique
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"renowned, famous"
Origin: Greek kleos
Language: English
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The Story of Cleophus
Cleophus is a Latinized variant of the Greek name Kleopas or Cleopas, derived from the elements kleos meaning glory or fame and pater meaning father — thus glory of the father or renowned one. The name appears in the New Testament: Cleopas (Luke 24) was one of the disciples who encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus, a pivotal post-resurrection story. This biblical connection gave the name lasting use in Christian communities across centuries.
Cleophus was most popular in the United States between the 1880s and 1950s, particularly in Southern African American communities where biblical and Greek-derived names were highly valued. It has declined sharply in use since the mid-20th century but retains a dignified vintage charm.
In African American naming traditions of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, classical and biblical names like Cleophus carried particular significance — they represented education, dignity, and connection to ancient heritage at a time when such connections were deeply meaningful.
Historical Record
Cleophus first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 981 babies have been named Cleophus in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Cleophus is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #16,281 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Cleopas (a variant) appears in the Gospel of Luke 24:18 as one of the disciples on the road to Emmaus
- Cleophus was a popular name in Southern US states from 1880-1940
- Cleo as a nickname connects to the famous Cleopatra of ancient Egypt
Cleophus in Other Languages
Greek
Κλεόπας (Kleopas)
Latin
Cleophas
Arabic
كلوباس
Spanish
Cleofás
Portuguese
Cleófas
Popularity Over Time
#16,281
Current Rank
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Cleophus
C
Cleopas (biblical)
Religious
One of the disciples of Jesus mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, who encountered the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus — ...
One of the disciples of Jesus mentioned in the Gospel of Luke, who encountered the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus — a foundational story in Christian tradition
C
Cleophus James Fictional
Other
Character played by James Brown in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, a charismatic preacher who inspires Jake and Elwood...
Character played by James Brown in the 1980 film The Blues Brothers, a charismatic preacher who inspires Jake and Elwood Blues
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Compare Cleophus with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #16,281
- Total SSA Count
- 7
- Cultural Origins
- American African American Greek
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Cleo
Clee
Cleph
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, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Greek heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Cleophus
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Cleophus
Phonetic neighbors that share Cleophus's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Cleophus is also used as a girl name, ranked #23912.
View Cleophus as a girl name →Similar Names
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Hebrew origin
"to tie, to bind"
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Kinglee
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Old English origin
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Biblical Hebrew origin
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Latin/Greek origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Cleophus
What does the name Cleophus mean?
"glory of the father" (from Greek kleos + pater). "renowned, famous" (from Greek kleos). Cleophus is a Latinized variant of the Greek name Kleopas or Cleopas, derived from the elements kleos meaning glory or fame and pater meaning father — thus glory of the father or renowned one. The name appears in the New Testament: Cleopas (Luke 24) was one of the disciples who encountered the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus, a pivotal post-resurrection story. This biblical connection gave the name lasting use in Christian communities across centuries.
What is the origin of the name Cleophus?
Cleophus has Greek kleos + pater, Greek kleos, American, African American, and Greek origins. In Greek kleos + pater, it means "glory of the father". In Greek kleos, it means "renowned, famous".
Is Cleophus a boy or girl name?
Cleophus is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #16281. As a girl name, it is ranked #23912. Cleophus is more commonly used as a boy name.
How popular is the name Cleophus?
Cleophus is currently ranked #16281 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Cleophus?
Common nicknames for Cleophus include Cleo, Clee, and Cleph.
What are good middle names for Cleophus?
Popular middle name pairings include Cleophus James, Cleophus Ray, Cleophus Lee, Cleophus Eugene, Cleophus Earl, Cleophus Herman, and Cleophus Vernon.
What are good sibling names for Cleophus?
Names that pair well with Cleophus as siblings include Cornelius, Thaddeus, Josephine, Ophelia, Cleo, Marvella, and Roscoe.
How many syllables does Cleophus have?
Cleophus has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Cleophus a common or rare name?
Cleophus is an uncommon name, ranked #16281 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Cleophus?
Are there other spellings for Cleophus?
Related spellings include Cleo.
About the Name Cleophus
Cleophus is a boy name with American, African American, and Greek origins . The name means "glory of the father" in Greek kleos + pater .
Is Cleophus a boy or girl name? Cleophus is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #16,281 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #23,912. Cleophus is more commonly used as a boy name.
Cleophus is currently ranked #16,281 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Cleophus has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Cleophus include Cleo, Clee, and Cleph. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Cleophus include Cleo . 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