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.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe a fascinating trend regarding the name Cleo in the United States over time.
From 1880 to around 1930, there was a steady increase in the number of births with the name Cleo. The highest point during this period was reached in 1927 with 662 births. However, after this peak, we start seeing a decline in popularity.
From 1930 onwards, the name Cleo experienced a significant decrease in its popularity. For instance, there were only 584 births recorded in 1929 and this number continued to drop in subsequent years. This trend persisted until around the late 1960s to early 1970s when the numbers remained relatively low but stable.
Interestingly, from the year 2000 onwards, there's been a noticeable resurgence of the name Cleo. In just over two decades, the number of births with this name has tripled, reaching an impressive 488 births in 2023.
Overall, while Cleo was quite popular during the late 19th to early 20th centuries and is now experiencing renewed popularity, it seems that its most significant periods were between approximately 1880-1930 and 2000-present. Despite fluctuations in popularity over time, Cleo remains a name that has maintained a consistent presence in the U.S. baby naming landscape throughout history.