kletus: 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".
The name kletus carries a rich history rooted in Greek culture. Derived from "anakaló > Anáklētos > Anacletus", this masculine name embodies the essence of This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Anákletos (Ανάκλητος),” meaning “invoked,” which in turn derives from “anakaló (ανακαλώ), meaning “revoke, rescind. Its linguistic journey through centuries reflects the cultural values and traditions of Greek-speaking communities.
Quick Facts About kletus
Quick facts about kletus
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
Other Scripts
Georgian (კლეტუს)
How to Pronounce kletus
kletus is pronounced /ˈkleɪ.təs/(Greek)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: klet-us
Say it like: "KLET-US"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
This name has found popularity across ancient Greek (Latinized), and georgian speaking regions, demonstrating its cross-cultural appeal and adaptability.
ancient Greek (Latinized)georgian
Frequently Asked Questions About kletus
What does the name kletus mean?
kletus 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 kletus 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, kletus's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance.
What is the origin of the name kletus?
kletus 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. In its native script, kletus is written as Georgian (კლეტუს). From its greek roots, kletus spread to become common in ancient Greek (Latinized), georgian. 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 kletus a boy or girl name?
kletus 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, kletus 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 kletus?
kletus is pronounced "/ˈkleɪ.təs/". This pronunciation follows el language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Georgian (კლეტუს), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, kletus is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in ancient Greek (Latinized), georgian, 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 kletus can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root anakaló > Anáklētos > Anacletus influences how kletus sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name kletus?
kletus is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, kletus offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. kletus'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, kletus holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name kletus commonly used?
kletus is common in ancient Greek (Latinized) and georgian naming traditions. Though greek in origin, kletus found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. 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 kletus into their naming traditions. A child named kletus 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, kletus 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.