Khloe

Meaning & origin

Khloe is a modern respelling of Chloe that first entered U.S. birth records in 1989. Its spelling, substituting 'Kh' for 'Ch,' reflects a broader trend of distinctive phonetic spellings that gained momentum in the late 20th century. The name's popularity surged in the 2000s, reaching its peak rank of 100 in 2010, buoyed by cultural visibility. Since 2011, however, its usage has steadily declined, and by 2025 it sat at rank 272 with about 1 in 1,399 girls receiving the name. Geographically, Khloe has been most common in the southern states, with Mississippi, Louisiana, and Georgia showing the highest relative usage. While not a traditional name with deep historical roots, Khloe exemplifies how contemporary naming practices adapt and respell established names to create fresh identities within the modern English lexicon.

Khloe emerged in the late 20th century as a respelling of the Greek name Chloe, which means 'blooming' or 'green shoot.' The substitution of 'Kh' for 'Ch' was influenced by other names like Khadijah and the general trend toward unique spellings. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1989 and gained popularity in the 2000s, partly due to celebrity influence. Today it is firmly established as a modern English coinage.