Clevon
A boy's name of African American origin with 302 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
When Clevon hit its peak of 15 births in 1975, American naming was shifting away from mid-century classics toward more individualistic, expressive choices.
Today, Clevon reads as a classic with deep American roots — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Clevon is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Clevon is a boy's baby name of African American origin, likely a creative variation of Cleon (from the Greek meaning 'glory') with a stylized spelling. It gained cultural visibility through actor Cleavon Little, star of Mel Brooks' 1974 comedy Blazing Saddles.
With its strong consonants and punchy two-syllable rhythm, Clevon projects confidence — a name that sounds both distinctive and easy to carry.
EtymologyShow more
Clevon is built from 6 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the African American 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 Clevon creates its characteristic solid, balanced 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
Clevon has 41+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1926.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 6 | #10858 | ▲ |
| 2010s | 5 | #12493 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 44 | #9371 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 76 | #6574 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 41 | #5594 | ▼ |
| 1970s | 78 | #3923 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 15 | #4129 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 12 | #3503 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 6 | #3191 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 12 | #3529 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 7 | #3448 | — |
The Story of Clevon
A Gen X name
Peaking in 1975, Clevon is a Gen X staple. Boys named Clevon are most likely born between 1965 and 1985.
How rare is Clevon?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Clevon is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1926, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 1970s with 78 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Clevon by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(41 years, 1926–2020)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 6 | #10858 |
| 2013 | 5 | #12493 |
| 2009 | 8 | #9137 |
| 2008 | 6 | #11316 |
| 2006 | 5 | #12378 |
| 2004 | 7 | #9115 |
| 2003 | 9 | #7342 |
| 2000 | 9 | #6935 |
| 1999 | 7 | #8009 |
| 1998 | 7 | #7702 |
| 1997 | 8 | #6718 |
| 1996 | 7 | #7270 |
| 1995 | 10 | #5564 |
| 1994 | 10 | #5524 |
| 1993 | 14 | #4259 |
| 1992 | 6 | #7583 |
| 1990 | 7 | #6534 |
| 1988 | 6 | #6563 |
| 1987 | 8 | #5050 |
| 1985 | 5 | #6711 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Clevon a boy's or girl's name?
When was Clevon most popular?
How popular is the name Clevon?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1926–2020