Holding steady.
Popularity of Cleven since 1908
Babies named Cleven per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1920, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Cleven's real moment was 1908.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 5 |
| 1910s | 66 |
| 1920s | 124 |
| 1930s | 119 |
| 1940s | 82 |
| 1950s | 98 |
| 1960s | 50 |
| 1970s | 27 |
| 1980s | 12 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Cleven is a rare English name of uncertain origin, possibly a variant of Cleve or a surname. It first appeared in U.S. Social Security records in 1908, which remains its peak year of use. Since then, the name has never ranked in the top 1000, and its trajectory is stable, indicating minimal but persistent occasional use. The name saw its highest (and only documented) recorded usage in 1908, and it has not appeared in significant numbers since. The lack of top states or notable frequency suggests Cleven is an infrequent choice, likely used by families seeking an unusual or family-sourced name. Despite its obscurity, the name has a straightforward pronunciation and could appeal to those looking for a distinctive, old-fashioned sound.
The name Cleven is rare and of obscure derivation. It may be a variant of Cleve, which itself comes from an English surname meaning 'cliff' or 'slope.' Alternatively, it could be a modern invented name or a respelling of Cleon. It has little historical usage, appearing sporadically in U.S. records since the early 1900s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Cleve, Clev
Variants: Cleve, Clevenn
Sibling names for Cleven
Names that share Cleven's style, for a brother or sister.
