Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Cletus
BoyGreek, Latin· “short for Anacletus, called forth”
- Meaning
- short for Anacletus, called forth
- Origin
- Greek, Latin
- Pronunciation
- KLEE-tuhs
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #8,382
- US babies 2025
- 9
- Best rank
- #391 (1922)
- Peak year
- 1922
Meaning and origin of Cletus
Cletus is a Greek and Latin name that means “short for Anacletus, called forth”.
Cletus is a short form of Anacletus, from the Greek anakletos, called forth or invoked. Pope Saint Anacletus, also known as Cletus, was one of the earliest bishops of Rome, and his name appears in the Roman canon of the Mass. Cletus was used in Catholic families in the US, particularly in the Midwest and South, in the early twentieth century. It is said KLEE-tuhs. The name has a rustic, old-fashioned sound today, though its roots go back to the earliest days of the church. Clete is a traditional nickname.
Popularity over time
Cletus first appears in US Social Security records in 1886. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 71 different years, starting in 1886. Its best national rank was #391 in 1922, the same year it reached its highest count of 233 babies. In 2025, 9 babies were named Cletus, and it ranked #8,382 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #463 in 1920, #762 in 1950, #2,121 in 1980, #9,292 in 2000, and #8,382 in 2025. Of the 7,437 US boys named Cletus since records began, 26% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1930s come next, with 1,303 babies. Since 2010, 103 more have been named Cletus.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Milford, Harding, Bertram, Winfred, and Harris.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Cletus is usually pronounced KLEE-tuhs, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with C and ends in “-us”.
Middle names for Cletus
A few middle names that flow with Cletus: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Cletus
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Lists that include Cletus
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Cletus mean?
Cletus is a Greek and Latin name that means “short for Anacletus, called forth”.
What is the origin of the name Cletus?
Cletus has Greek and Latin roots. Cletus is a short form of Anacletus, from the Greek anakletos, called forth or invoked.
Is Cletus a popular name?
Not especially. Cletus ranked #8,382 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Cletus a boy or girl name?
Cletus is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Cletus?
Cletus is usually pronounced KLEE-tuhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings