Cleon
Primarily a boy's name of Greek origin with 2,993 recorded births. Also given to 189 girls.
Meaning & Origin
A male given name from Ancient Greek.
Cleon is a boy's and girl's baby name of Greek origin, meaning 'glorious' or 'renowned' — from the Greek root kleos (glory or fame). In ancient Athens, Cleon was a prominent democratic politician of the 5th century BC. Its crisp two syllables and ancient Greek heritage make it a quietly distinguished choice.
EtymologyShow more
Names travel. They cross oceans, change spelling, shift pronunciation, and accumulate new associations with each culture that adopts them. Cleon is rooted in the Greek tradition, but its presence in American naming since 1884 means it has been shaped by English phonetics, local customs, and the cultural context of the families who chose it.
Cleon’s 2,993 recorded births suggest it has found a niche — possibly within a specific cultural community, region, or naming subculture within the broader American landscape.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Cleon was #8268 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #9123, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 34 | #8821 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 62 | #9762 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 69 | #9176 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 123 | #5421 | — |
| 1980s | 134 | #3500 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 323 | #1762 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 225 | #1815 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 257 | #1525 | ▼ |
| 1940s | 311 | #1262 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 450 | #965 | ▼ |
| 1920s | 565 | #923 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 342 | #1005 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 59 | #1048 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 23 | #1017 | ▲ |
| 1880s | 16 | #933 | — |
The Story of Cleon
A Greatest Generation name
Peaking in 1921, Cleon is a name steeped in history. Boys named Cleon are most likely born between 1911 and 1931.
How rare is Cleon?
Only about 1 in every 450,000 babies born in 2024 was named Cleon — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1884, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1920s with 565 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Cleon by the numbers
- Would fill 62 school buses
- Meeting one Cleon per day would take 8.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(126 years, 1884–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | #9123 |
| 2023 | 9 | #8376 |
| 2022 | 10 | #7865 |
| 2021 | 7 | #9920 |
| 2019 | 5 | #12519 |
| 2018 | 5 | #12528 |
| 2016 | 10 | #7700 |
| 2015 | 11 | #7158 |
| 2014 | 7 | #9831 |
| 2013 | 5 | #12490 |
| 2011 | 10 | #7604 |
| 2010 | 9 | #8268 |
| 2009 | 6 | #11253 |
| 2007 | 5 | #12701 |
| 2006 | 6 | #10917 |
| 2005 | 11 | #6717 |
| 2004 | 8 | #8268 |
| 2003 | 6 | #9792 |
| 2002 | 14 | #5179 |
| 2001 | 7 | #8468 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Cleon as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Cleon has also been given to 189 girls in the U.S. since 1905.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleon a boy's or girl's name?
When was Cleon most popular?
How popular is the name Cleon?
Can Cleon be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1884–2024