Cletis is a unique and distinctive male given name of Greek origin. Its meaning is "glory" or "praise," derived from the Greek word "kleos," which means fame or glory. The name Cletis has a rich history, with its earliest known usage dating back to ancient Greece.
In Greek mythology, Cleitus was a hero and one of the Argonauts who accompanied Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece. Cleitus was also the name of several notable historical figures, including Cleitus I, a general in Alexander the Great's army, and Cleitus III, a king of Bactria.
The name Cletis has seen some usage throughout history but remains relatively uncommon today. It is not clear why the spelling changed from Cleitus to Cletis, but it may have occurred due to translation errors or regional variations in pronunciation.
Despite its rarity, Cletis is an attractive and distinctive name that carries a strong historical legacy. Its meaning of "glory" or "praise" gives it a powerful and inspiring quality, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.
The name Cletis has seen a varied journey in terms of popularity over the years in the United States. With a total of 1603 births recorded since 1904, it experienced several peaks and troughs in its usage.
In the early 20th century, there was a noticeable fluctuation in the number of newborn boys named Cletis. The highest point during this period occurred in 1924 with 44 births, while the lowest was recorded in 1953 with only 11 births.
Interestingly, there was a significant resurgence in the popularity of the name Cletis in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Between 1960 and 1962, the number of babies named Cletis increased dramatically, reaching its peak with 44 births in 1962.
However, this popularity was short-lived as the name's usage declined significantly afterwards. From 1963 onwards, the number of newborn boys named Cletis dropped consistently, reaching an all-time low in 1970 with only 6 births.
This downward trend continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with occasional spikes in popularity. However, these were not significant enough to bring the name back to its former glory.
Since the 1990s, the name Cletis has been used very sparingly, with only 5 births recorded each year from 1993 to 1996. Since then, there has been no data on the usage of this name in the United States.
Despite its fluctuations in popularity, it is clear that the name Cletis has a unique and distinctive history in the United States. While it may not be as widely used today as it was in previous decades, its legacy continues to be celebrated by those who bear this uncommon name.