Cleto: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind".It derives from the Greek word "anakaló > Anáklētos > Anacletus".
In Greek tradition, Cleto holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind. This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Greek culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Cleto
Quick facts about Cleto
Origin
Greek
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind.” Pope Anacletus (Cletus) was the third pope, following Saint Peter and Pope Linus from ~79 to his death ~92. His pontificate was once erroneously split into Anacletus and Cletus. Blessed Anacleto González Flores was a Mexican Catholic layman and lawyer, executed during the Catholic Church’s persecution under the presidency of Plutarco Elías Calles.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
anakaló > Anáklētos > Anacletus
How to Pronounce Cleto
Cleto is pronounced /ˈkleɪtoʊ/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Clet-o
Say it like: "KLEEEHTOOO"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across spanish, italian, and portuguese speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
spanishitalianportuguese
Frequently Asked Questions About Cleto
What does the name Cleto mean?
Cleto means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind.” Pope Anacletus (Cletus) was the third pope, following Saint Peter and Pope Linus from ~79 to his death ~92. His pontificate was once erroneously split into Anacletus and Cletus. Blessed Anacleto González Flores was a Mexican Catholic layman and lawyer, executed during the Catholic Church’s persecution under the presidency of Plutarco Elías Calles.". The name comes from anakaló > Anáklētos > Anacletus. In its original form, the name derives from anakaló (ανακαλώ) Anáklētos (Ανάκλητος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Cleto for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind.” Pope Anacletus (Cletus) was the third pope, following Saint Peter and Pope Linus from ~79 to his death ~92. His pontificate was once erroneously split into Anacletus and Cletus. Blessed Anacleto González Flores was a Mexican Catholic layman and lawyer, executed during the Catholic Church’s persecution under the presidency of Plutarco Elías Calles." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Cleto's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name Cleto?
Cleto is a greek name. The name traces back to anakaló > Anáklētos > Anacletus. The original form anakaló (ανακαλώ) Anáklētos (Ανάκλητος) shows the name's roots in its native language. From its greek roots, Cleto spread to become common in spanish, italian, portuguese. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind.” Pope Anacletus (Cletus) was the third pope, following Saint Peter and Pope Linus from ~79 to his death ~92. His pontificate was once erroneously split into Anacletus and Cletus. Blessed Anacleto González Flores was a Mexican Catholic layman and lawyer, executed during the Catholic Church’s persecution under the presidency of Plutarco Elías Calles." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Cleto a boy or girl name?
Cleto is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In greek tradition, Cleto has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind.” Pope Anacletus (Cletus) was the third pope, following Saint Peter and Pope Linus from ~79 to his death ~92. His pontificate was once erroneously split into Anacletus and Cletus. Blessed Anacleto González Flores was a Mexican Catholic layman and lawyer, executed during the Catholic Church’s persecution under the presidency of Plutarco Elías Calles." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Cleto?
Cleto is pronounced "/ˈkleɪtoʊ/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Cleto is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in spanish, italian, portuguese, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Cleto can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root anakaló > Anáklētos > Anacletus influences how Cleto sounds in its original language.
What are common nicknames for Cleto?
Cleto is commonly used as a nickname for Anacleto. Being a shortened version of Anacleto, Cleto offers a casual alternative that's quicker to say in everyday conversation. Many people named Anacleto go by Cleto throughout their lives, using the full name only on official documents. In greek cultures, using Cleto as a nickname carries a sense of familiarity and warmth. This nickname pattern is common among boys and men, though some now use Cleto as a given name on its own. Today, parents sometimes put Cleto on the birth certificate directly, skipping the longer form entirely. This gives the child a name that feels both complete and approachable.
How popular is the name Cleto?
Cleto is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Cleto offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Cleto's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind.” Pope Anacletus (Cletus) was the third pope, following Saint Peter and Pope Linus from ~79 to his death ~92. His pontificate was once erroneously split into Anacletus and Cletus. Blessed Anacleto González Flores was a Mexican Catholic layman and lawyer, executed during the Catholic Church’s persecution under the presidency of Plutarco Elías Calles." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Cleto holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Cleto commonly used?
Cleto is common in spanish and italian and portuguese naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Cleto found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Cleto, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind.” Pope Anacletus (Cletus) was the third pope, following Saint Peter and Pope Linus from ~79 to his death ~92. His pontificate was once erroneously split into Anacletus and Cletus. Blessed Anacleto González Flores was a Mexican Catholic layman and lawyer, executed during the Catholic Church’s persecution under the presidency of Plutarco Elías Calles." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Cleto into their naming traditions. A child named Cleto will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Cleto is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.