"glory, fame"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Clio
Pronunciation: [ kl-EE-oh ]
Does Clio flow with your last name?
The Muse of History — where glory lives forever
Greek
English
French
Literary
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Meaning & Origin
"the proclaimer"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Clio
Clio comes from the ancient Greek 'kleos' (κλέος), meaning glory, fame, or renown. In Greek mythology, Clio is the Muse of history and epic poetry — one of the nine Muses who inspired artists, philosophers, and historians. Her name reflects the ancient Greek belief that recording history was itself a form of immortality, preserving glory for eternity.
Clio is experiencing a quiet resurgence as parents seek mythological names that are recognizable but not overused. While Persephone and Athena are gaining traction, Clio remains delightfully rare. The Renault Clio car has also kept the name in public consciousness across Europe.
Clio was one of the most revered of the nine Muses in ancient Greece. She inspired Herodotus and Thucydides — the first historians — and is often depicted holding a scroll or a chest of books. Historians and scholars have long invoked her name as a symbol of the discipline.
Historical Record
Clio first appeared in US Social Security records in 1986.
Over 638 babies have been named Clio in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Clio is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #6,136 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Clio is the Muse of history in Greek mythology, patron of Herodotus and all historians
- The Renault Clio, one of Europe's best-selling cars since 1990, kept this name in everyday usage
- In Renaissance art, Clio is often depicted with a trumpet (proclaiming fame) and scrolls (recording history)
Clio in Other Languages
Greek
Κλειώ
Latin
Clio
French
Clio
Italian
Clio
Spanish
Clío
Popularity Over Time
#6,136
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Clio
C
Clio Barnard
Other
1965
British filmmaker and director known for 'The Arbor' and 'Ali & Ava'
C
Clio Goldsmith
Actor
1957
French-British actress and model known for her roles in European cinema of the 1980s
C
Clio (Greek Muse) Fictional
Other
The Muse of history and heroic poetry in Greek mythology, daughter of Zeus and Mnemosyne
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Compare Clio with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #6,136
- Total SSA Count
- 20
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Cli
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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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, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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
-
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 Clio
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Clio is also used as a boy name, ranked #13830.
View Clio as a boy name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (Greek)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Clio
What does the name Clio mean?
"glory, fame" (from Greek). "the proclaimer" (from Greek). Clio comes from the ancient Greek 'kleos' (κλέος), meaning glory, fame, or renown. In Greek mythology, Clio is the Muse of history and epic poetry — one of the nine Muses who inspired artists, philosophers, and historians. Her name reflects the ancient Greek belief that recording history was itself a form of immortality, preserving glory for eternity.
What is the origin of the name Clio?
Clio has Greek, English, and French origins. In Greek, it means "glory, fame". In Greek, it means "the proclaimer".
Is Clio a boy or girl name?
Clio is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #6136. As a boy name, it is ranked #13830. Clio is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Clio?
Clio is pronounced kl-EE-oh.
How popular is the name Clio?
Clio is currently ranked #6136 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Clio?
Common nicknames for Clio include Cli.
What are good middle names for Clio?
Popular middle name pairings include Clio Rose, Clio Jane, Clio Marie, Clio Isabelle, Clio Elise, Clio Wren, and Clio Pearl.
What are good sibling names for Clio?
Names that pair well with Clio as siblings include Iris, Phoebe, Calliope, Orion, Atlas, Penelope, and Thalia.
How many syllables does Clio have?
Clio has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Clio a common or rare name?
Clio is an uncommon name, ranked #6136 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Clio
Clio is a girl name with Greek, English, and French origins . The name means "glory, fame" in Greek .
Is Clio a boy or girl name? Clio is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #6,136 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #13,830. Clio is more commonly used as a girl name.
Clio is currently ranked #6,136 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Clio has 2 syllables and is pronounced kl-EE-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Clio include Cli. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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