A 1920s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Cletus since 1886
Babies named Cletus per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 80 |
| 1900s | 185 |
| 1910s | 1,190 |
| 1920s | 1,902 |
| 1930s | 1,303 |
| 1940s | 878 |
| 1950s | 661 |
| 1960s | 536 |
| 1970s | 251 |
| 1980s | 189 |
| 1990s | 85 |
| 2000s | 64 |
| 2010s | 61 |
| 2020s | 42 |
Meaning & origin
Cletus is a name of ancient Latin origin, derived from the Greek Anaklētos, meaning 'called forth' or 'invoked'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1886, and its peak popularity came in 1922, when it was most commonly given to baby boys. After a long decline, the name has been gradually rising in use since 2006, though it remains very rare, with a current rank of 8,243 and approximately 1 in 189,786 newborns receiving the name in 2023. Cletus carries a distinct vintage charm, often associated with rural or rustic imagery, but its early Christian heritage as the name of a pope gives it a historical depth beyond its modern connotations.
Cletus is derived from the Latin name Anacletus, itself from Greek Anaklētos meaning 'called forth' or 'invoked'. It appears in early Christian history as the name of the third pope, Saint Cletus (or Anacletus), who served in the first century. The name has seen sporadic use in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States during the early 20th century.
Where Cletus is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Anacletus, Cletas
Sibling names for Cletus
Names that share Cletus's style, for a brother or sister.
