Cleo is a name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek word "kleos," which means "fame" or "glory." It was originally used as a nickname for people who were known for their accomplishments or talents.
The name Cleo first became popular during the Elizabethan era in England, when it was often used as a short form of Cleopatra, the famous queen of ancient Egypt. However, even before this time, there were references to people named Cleo in Greek literature and mythology.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Cleo. One of the most famous is Cleopatra VII, who ruled Egypt from 51-30 BCE. She was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and beauty, and is often depicted as a powerful and mysterious figure in popular culture.
Another well-known figure named Cleo is Cleopatra Stratonice, a Hellenistic queen of Syria during the 2nd century BCE. She was known for her beauty and wisdom, and was said to have had a deep understanding of philosophy and science.
In modern times, the name Cleo has been used by several notable individuals, including Cleo Smith, an Australian girl who made headlines in 2018 when she went missing and was later found safe after four days. The name Cleo has also been popular among celebrities, such as American singer-songwriter Cleopatra Reid.
Overall, the name Cleo is associated with fame, glory, intelligence, and accomplishment, thanks to its origins and the notable figures who have borne it throughout history. It remains a unique and distinctive name that continues to be used today.
The name Cleo experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. It started with a low of 17 births in 1880 and steadily increased until reaching its peak in 1920 with 1049 births. However, from 1921 onwards, there was a consistent decline in the number of babies named Cleo, dropping to an all-time low of 24 births in 1976. Since then, the name has shown some slight increases and decreases but has remained relatively stable with numbers ranging between 20 to 80 births per year. The total number of births recorded for the name Cleo from 1880 to 2023 is 32548.