Cleo

♀ Girl

Pronounced KLEE-oh /ˈkliː.oʊ/High

Meaning: Short form of Cleopatra or Cleophanes, from Greek kleos meaning 'glory' or 'fame'High

In 30 seconds: Cleo is a crisp, two-syllable Greek name dripping with ancient glamour. Short for Cleopatra, it stands beautifully on its own and is enjoying a sharp modern revival.

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Origin HighGreek

MeaningShort form of Cleopatra or Cleophanes, from Greek kleos meaning 'glory' or 'fame'

U.S. rank (2025)#577 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births516 girls (0.03% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 33,560

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Cleo is a short form of Cleopatra, from the Greek elements kleos ('glory') and patra ('father') — meaning 'glory of the father.' The name kleos was one of the most revered concepts in ancient Greek culture, representing the fame earned through heroic deeds that would outlast a person's life.

As a standalone given name, Cleo was popular in English-speaking countries in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, buoyed by fascination with ancient Egypt and the legendary queen Cleopatra VII. After declining mid-century, Cleo has returned strongly in the 2010s and 2020s as part of the broader vintage-revival trend.

Did you know? The Muse of history in Greek mythology was named Clio — a near-twin of Cleo — making this name a quiet nod to storytelling, record-keeping, and the immortalization of great deeds.

Overall data confidence 92%

Behind the Name — Cleo — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

ClioCleopatraClea

Nicknames

Clee

Famous Bearers

★Cleo Laine (1927–2025)
British jazz and pop singer, one of the most acclaimed vocalists of the 20th century.

If you like Cleo…

Cleopatra— the full form of which Cleo is a short version

Zoe— two-syllable Greek name with the same bright, vintage-modern energy

Thea— short Greek goddess-derived name with the same crisp appeal

Nora— two-syllable vintage revival name with the same soft strength

Frequently Asked

What does the name Cleo mean?

Cleo comes from the Greek word kleos meaning 'glory' or 'fame,' and is a short form of Cleopatra.

How do you pronounce Cleo?

It is said KLEE-oh — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Cleo a boy or girl name?

Cleo is used predominantly as a girls' name today, though it can occasionally appear for boys.

How popular is Cleo?

Cleo has been rising strongly in the U.S. since the 2010s as part of the vintage-name revival trend.