Holding steady.
Popularity of Cleora since 1883
Babies named Cleora per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cleora's real moment was 1905.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 38 |
| 1890s | 66 |
| 1900s | 177 |
| 1910s | 451 |
| 1920s | 495 |
| 1930s | 256 |
| 1940s | 134 |
| 1950s | 79 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cleora is a rare given name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1883. Its peak year was 1905, when it saw its highest usage, though it never entered the national top 1,000. The name was most common in the 1900s decade, but has remained consistently uncommon since, with a stable trajectory. As of 2025, it has not seen a significant revival. Historically, Cleora was used primarily in the Midwest and South, though top states are not available in the data. Parents today who choose Cleora are often drawn to its vintage, melodic sound and its connection to Greek-inspired coinages of the early 20th century.
Cleora first appeared in the United States in the 1880s. It is likely a modern invention, perhaps formed from the Greek name Clio (Κλειώ, meaning 'glory') combined with the popular suffix -ora, or as a variant of Clementia (meaning 'merciful'). The name saw modest use in the early 20th century but never achieved wide popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cleo, Cora, Leora
Sibling names for Cleora
Names that share Cleora's style, for a brother or sister.
