Cleophus
Primarily a boy's name of Greek origin with 2,023 recorded births. Also given to 19 girls.
Meaning & Origin
When Cleophus hit its peak of 46 births in 1947, post-war optimism and the baby boom were producing the largest generation of Americans in history, and naming trends reflected that era’s values of stability and tradition.
Today, Cleophus reads as a classic with deep American roots — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Cleophus is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Cleophus is a boy's and girl's baby name of Greek origin, a variant of Cleophas, from the Greek Kleophas meaning 'glory of the father' or 'renowned father.' In the New Testament, Cleophas is mentioned as a disciple who encountered the risen Christ on the road to Emmaus.
EtymologyShow more
Cleophus is built from 8 letters and two syllables — a longer structure that creates presence and allows for natural nickname formation. Within the Greek naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Cleophus creates its characteristic classical, dignified quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Cleophus has 94+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1904.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 17 | #10495 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 69 | #6907 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 122 | #3733 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 170 | #2554 | ▼ |
| 1960s | 247 | #1636 | ▼ |
| 1950s | 356 | #1273 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 317 | #1248 | ▲ |
| 1930s | 297 | #1253 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 287 | #1426 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 126 | #1787 | ▲ |
| 1900s | 15 | #1309 | — |
The Story of Cleophus
A Baby Boomer name
Peaking in 1947, Cleophus is a timeless Baby Boomer name. Boys named Cleophus are most likely born between 1937 and 1957.
How rare is Cleophus?
With 2,023 total births on record, Cleophus remains a rare and distinctive pick.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1904, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 1950s with 356 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Cleophus by the numbers
- Would fill 42 school buses
- Meeting one Cleophus per day would take 5.5 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(94 years, 1904–2007)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | 7 | #9957 |
| 2001 | 5 | #10874 |
| 2000 | 5 | #10655 |
| 1999 | 6 | #8891 |
| 1997 | 9 | #6175 |
| 1996 | 10 | #5603 |
| 1995 | 5 | #9096 |
| 1994 | 6 | #7947 |
| 1993 | 7 | #6943 |
| 1992 | 11 | #4932 |
| 1991 | 8 | #6043 |
| 1990 | 7 | #6533 |
| 1989 | 12 | #4316 |
| 1988 | 11 | #4213 |
| 1987 | 18 | #2857 |
| 1986 | 11 | #3926 |
| 1985 | 11 | #3842 |
| 1984 | 7 | #5071 |
| 1983 | 12 | #3441 |
| 1982 | 13 | #3318 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Cleophus as a Girl's Name
While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Cleophus has also been given to 19 girls in the U.S. since 1917.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Cleophus a boy's or girl's name?
When was Cleophus most popular?
How popular is the name Cleophus?
Can Cleophus be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1904–2007