Cletus

Boy Name
Origin:greek
Pronunciation:/ˈkliː.təs/

Cletus: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent". It derives from the Greek word "kléō > kleitós ‎".

The name Cletus carries a rich history rooted in Greek culture. Derived from "kléō > kleitós ‎", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Ancient Greek “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Greek-speaking communities.

Quick Facts About Cletus

Quick facts about Cletus
OriginGreek
GenderBoy name
PopularityModerately 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 “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent.” It is the name of multiple figures in Greek mythology. One of them is Cleitus the Black (Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) (375–328), an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander’s life at the Granicus’s Battle and was killed by him several years later in a drunken quarrel. Cleitus was the son of Dropides and brother of Alexander’s nurse, Lanike.

Etymology & Details

Name Root

kléō > kleitós ‎

How to Pronounce Cletus

Cletus is pronounced /ˈkliː.təs/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Clet-us
  2. Say it like: "CLET-US"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Cletus is predominantly used in ancient Greek (Latinized) speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.

ancient Greek (Latinized)
Frequently Asked Questions About Cletus
What does the name Cletus mean?
Cletus means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent.” It is the name of multiple figures in Greek mythology. One of them is Cleitus the Black (Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) (375–328), an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander’s life at the Granicus’s Battle and was killed by him several years later in a drunken quarrel. Cleitus was the son of Dropides and brother of Alexander’s nurse, Lanike.". The name comes from kléō > kleitós ‎. In its original form, the name derives from kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Cletus for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent.” It is the name of multiple figures in Greek mythology. One of them is Cleitus the Black (Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) (375–328), an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander’s life at the Granicus’s Battle and was killed by him several years later in a drunken quarrel. Cleitus was the son of Dropides and brother of Alexander’s nurse, Lanike." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Cletus's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like GREEK MYTHOLOGY, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Cletus?
Cletus is a greek name. The name traces back to kléō > kleitós ‎. The original form kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός) shows the name's roots in its native language. The name remains closely tied to ancient Greek (Latinized) naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent.” It is the name of multiple figures in Greek mythology. One of them is Cleitus the Black (Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) (375–328), an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander’s life at the Granicus’s Battle and was killed by him several years later in a drunken quarrel. Cleitus was the son of Dropides and brother of Alexander’s nurse, Lanike." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Cletus a boy or girl name?
Cletus 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, Cletus has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent.” It is the name of multiple figures in Greek mythology. One of them is Cleitus the Black (Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) (375–328), an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander’s life at the Granicus’s Battle and was killed by him several years later in a drunken quarrel. Cleitus was the son of Dropides and brother of Alexander’s nurse, Lanike." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Cletus?
Cletus is pronounced "/ˈkliː.təs/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Cletus is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Cletus can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root kléō > kleitós ‎ influences how Cletus sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Cletus?
Cletus is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Cletus offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Cletus'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 “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent.” It is the name of multiple figures in Greek mythology. One of them is Cleitus the Black (Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) (375–328), an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander’s life at the Granicus’s Battle and was killed by him several years later in a drunken quarrel. Cleitus was the son of Dropides and brother of Alexander’s nurse, Lanike." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Cletus holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Cletus commonly used?
Cletus is used primarily in ancient Greek (Latinized) naming traditions. Though greek in origin, Cletus found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent.” It is the name of multiple figures in Greek mythology. One of them is Cleitus the Black (Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) (375–328), an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander’s life at the Granicus’s Battle and was killed by him several years later in a drunken quarrel. Cleitus was the son of Dropides and brother of Alexander’s nurse, Lanike." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Cletus into their naming traditions. A child named Cletus 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, Cletus is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Cletus?
Cletus carries associations with GREEK MYTHOLOGY. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “kléō ‎(κλέω) kleitós ‎(κλειτός),” meaning “to tell of, make famous, celebrate, renowned, splendid, excellent.” It is the name of multiple figures in Greek mythology. One of them is Cleitus the Black (Κλεῖτος ὁ μέλας) (375–328), an officer of the Macedonian army led by Alexander the Great. He saved Alexander’s life at the Granicus’s Battle and was killed by him several years later in a drunken quarrel. Cleitus was the son of Dropides and brother of Alexander’s nurse, Lanike." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Cletus originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Cletus sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Cletus often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In ancient Greek (Latinized) communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.

Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.

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