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Cleophus

♂ Boy

Pronounced klee-OH-fus /kliˈoʊ.fəs/Medium

Meaning: Cleophus is an American form of Cleophas/Cleopas — a Greek biblical name, from kleos 'glory' and patēr 'father', 'glory of the father'; the man on the road to Emmaus in Luke's Gospel bore the name, and it became a favored heritage name in African-American families.Medium

In 30 seconds: Cleophus is a warm biblical-rooted name from Cleophas, 'glory of the father' — an uncommon but cherished heritage name (said 'klee-OH-fus').

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Origin MediumGreek

MeaningCleophus is an American form of Cleophas/Cleopas — a Greek biblical name, from kleos 'glory' and patēr 'father', 'glory of the father'; the man on the road to Emmaus in Luke's Gospel bore the name, and it became a favored heritage name in African-American families.

U.S. rank (2007)#9957 ↗ Rising

2007 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1947

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,023

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

Cleophus is an American form of the Greek biblical name Cleophas/Cleopas — kleos 'glory' and patēr 'father', 'glory of the father'. Rooted in the Emmaus story of Luke's Gospel, it became a valued heritage name, especially in Black American families through the twentieth century.

It appeared steadily in modest numbers, peaking around mid-century. A man named Cleophus at its high point is now elderly, and the name carries a dignified, churchly resonance.

Did you know? The name behind Cleophus, Cleopas, belongs to one of the two disciples who met the risen Jesus on the road to Emmaus in the Gospel of Luke.

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Cleophas / Cleopas — Greek biblical name; 'glory of the father'

Variations

CleophasCleopasCleofus

Nicknames

Cleo

Famous Bearers

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If you like Cleophus…

Cleo— the natural short form of the name

Cleon— a like Greek Cleo- boy's name

Cletus— another biblical-era Greek name for boys

Lazarus— echoes that soft -us sound

Thaddaeus— the same biblical feel

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Cleophus mean?

Cleophus is an American form of the Greek Cleophas, meaning 'glory of the father'.

How do you pronounce Cleophus?

It's said klee-OH-fus /kliˈoʊ.fəs/ — 3 syllables, stress on the second.

Is Cleophus a boy or girl name?

Cleophus is used as a boy's name in the U.S.

How popular is Cleophus?

Cleophus is an uncommon boy's name in the U.S., a valued biblical heritage name.