Cletus is a unique and uncommon male given name of Latin origin. It is derived from the Latin word "Cletius," which means "stumbling" or "clumsy." According to some sources, Cletus may also be associated with the biblical figure Saint Cletus, who was one of the first seven deacons of Rome and later became the fourth bishop of that city.
The name Cletus was popular in early Christian times but has since become quite rare. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration, there have been fewer than five boys named Cletus born each year in the United States since 1950. Despite its rarity, Cletus remains a significant name in religious circles due to its association with Saint Cletus.
While the meaning of "stumbling" or "clumsy" may not be particularly appealing, it is important to note that this interpretation is not universally accepted and may not accurately reflect the true origin or significance of the name. Ultimately, whether or not someone chooses to name their child Cletus will likely depend on personal preferences and family history rather than any particular connotation associated with the name.
In conclusion, Cletus is a rare male given name of Latin origin that means "stumbling" or "clumsy." While it has religious significance due to its association with Saint Cletus, it has not been widely used in recent times. Despite its unusual meaning and rarity, Cletus remains an interesting and unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.
The name Cletus has been a relatively uncommon choice for newborns in the United States over the past century. According to the available records, there were only five births with the name Cletus each year from 1898 to 1899. However, there was an increase in popularity between 1911 and 1927, with a peak of 16 births in 1924.
Interestingly, the name maintained a consistent level of popularity throughout this period, with at least five births recorded annually from 1911 onwards. However, it seems that the trend did not continue into the following decades, as there were only five births each year between 1935 and 1944.
In total, there have been 272 babies named Cletus born in the United States since 1898. Despite its relatively low popularity compared to other names, Cletus has maintained a steady presence among American newborns over time. It is important to note that these statistics only reflect recorded births and may not include all instances of the name due to factors such as changes in naming practices or incomplete records.
Overall, while the name Cletus may not be among the most popular choices for newborns today, its consistent appearance in birth records over the past century demonstrates that it has been a enduring favorite among American parents.