Cleo is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the name Kleopatra, which means "glory of the father". It is often associated with Cleopatra VII Philopator, the last Pharaoh of Ancient Egypt who was known for her beauty and political acumen.
The name Cleo became popular in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, likely due to an increased interest in ancient Greek culture and history. It has since been used as a standalone given name, often shortened from longer names like Cleopatra or Cleomenes.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Cleo. One of the most famous is Cleopatra VII herself, who ruled Egypt from 51 to 30 BCE. Other notable individuals include Cleo Ridgely, a British actress active during the early 20th century, and Cleo Hill, an American basketball player who was named one of the top 50 players in NBA history.
In popular culture, the name Cleo has been used prominently in literature and film. It is the title character in the novel "Cleo" by Helen Dunmore, as well as the protagonist of the 1963 movie "Cleopatra," starring Elizabeth Taylor. Additionally, Cleo is featured in several songs throughout music history, including "Cleo's Mountain Christmas" by Canadian band The New Pornographers and "Cleo" by British musician Tom Odell.
Overall, the name Cleo carries a rich historical legacy while also maintaining a modern charm, making it an attractive choice for parents looking to give their daughter a distinctive yet accessible name.
Over the span of 142 years (1880-2022), the name Cleo experienced significant fluctuations in popularity, with a total of 11,487 births recorded. The name's usage peaked during World War I, reaching an all-time high of 363 births in 1918 and maintaining high numbers throughout the war years. However, post-war, there was a noticeable decline in Cleo's popularity, with fewer than 200 births annually from the early 1920s onwards.
In the latter half of the 20th century, Cleo continued to see modest popularity, with annual birth numbers ranging between 13 and 47. The name experienced a slight resurgence in the late 1970s and early 1980s but has since declined steadily, with fewer than 25 births per year recorded from 1986 onwards.
As of 2022, Cleo is no longer among the top choices for baby names, with only 17 births recorded. Its popularity has been steadily declining over time, with each decade seeing a lower average number of births compared to the previous one.