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Clelia

♀ Girl

Pronounced KLEE-lee-uh /ˈkliː.li.ə/Medium

Meaning: The Italian form of the Roman Cloelia, a legendary heroine who, held hostage, escaped by swimming the Tiber and led other captives to safety. The old family name's meaning is not securely known, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: An Italian form of the Roman Cloelia — the hostage who escaped by swimming the Tiber (said 'KLEE-lee-uh').

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Origin MediumItalian, Latin

MeaningThe Italian form of the Roman Cloelia, a legendary heroine who, held hostage, escaped by swimming the Tiber and led other captives to safety. The old family name's meaning is not securely known, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13802 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1920

Total births (all-time)≈ 530

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Clelia is the Italian form of Cloelia, a Roman legend: given as a hostage to an enemy king, she escaped by swimming the Tiber and brought other captives with her. Rome honored her courage. The old family name's meaning is not securely known, which we note. Brave and classical (said 'KLEE-lee-uh').

In the U.S. it appears very rarely, more familiar in Italy. Rare, classical, and courageous.

Did you know? Cloelia, the heroine behind Clelia, was so admired for swimming the Tiber to freedom that Rome is said to have raised a statue of her on horseback (said 'KLEE-lee-uh').

Overall data confidence 50%

References — Clelia — Italian form of Roman Cloelia; legendary heroine of the Tiber

Variations

CloeliaClelieCleila

Nicknames

CleLia

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Clelia…

Delia— a like classical -elia name

Livia— a like antique Roman name

Claudia— a similarly popular pick

Caelia— shares the -ia ending

Catia— shares Clelia's Italian roots

Explore names like Clelia

By themeitalian classical roman

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Clelia mean?

Clelia is the Italian form of the Roman Cloelia; the old family name's meaning is not securely known, which we note.

How do you pronounce Clelia?

It's said KLEE-lee-uh /ˈkliː.li.ə/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Clelia a boy or girl name?

Clelia is used as a girl's name.

How popular is Clelia?

Clelia is very rare in the U.S. and better known in Italy.