The name Clete is of Latin origin and means "to weave or twist". It was derived from the Latin word "clotus", which referred to someone who was skilled in weaving cloth. Throughout history, this name has been used relatively infrequently, but it has still made appearances in various cultures.
In ancient Rome, for instance, Cletus was a common slave name. It is believed that this name was given to slaves who were proficient in textile production or those born with curly hair, as the word "clotus" could also refer to something that is curled or twisted.
In early Christian times, Saint Cletus became a prominent figure associated with this name. He was one of the seven deacons chosen by the Apostles and later became the second bishop of Rome after Saint Linus. His feast day is celebrated on November 11th. The name Cletus gained popularity during this period due to his saintly status.
In literature, Clete Bradley appears as a character in Larry McMurtry's "Lonesome Dove". This novel has helped to popularize the name Clete in recent times, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Today, Clete is considered a unique and distinct name. While it may not be among the most common names, its Latin origins and historical significance make it an appealing choice for parents looking for something different for their child.
The name Clete has seen a varied range of popularity over the years in the United States. In the early period from 1948 to 1956, there were between 5 and 10 births each year with an average of around 7 births per year during this time.
There was a notable increase in popularity from 1963 to 1965, with 14, 12, and 18 births respectively. This period represents the peak years for the name Clete, indicating that it was quite popular during these years.
After 1965, the number of births decreased significantly, ranging from 6 to 12 births per year until 1974. However, there were some fluctuations in popularity throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, with peaks at 7 births in 1979 and 1980, and again at 10 births in 1989.
The name Clete experienced a resurgence in recent years, with 5 births in 2000, 6 births in both 2005 and 2006, and then another peak of 7 births in both 2013 and 2014. Most recently, there were 6 births recorded in 2017.
In total, there have been 281 births of the name Clete in the United States since 1948. Despite fluctuations in popularity over the years, the name Clete has maintained a consistent presence among newborns throughout this time period.