What Does the Name Cleto Mean?

The name Cleto is of Spanish origin and is derived from the Latin name Clemens, which means “gentle” or “mild.” It is a popular name in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. The name has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages and is still popular today.

History of the Name

The name Cleto has its roots in ancient Rome. It was first used as a given name by Roman Emperor Claudius II, who reigned from 268 to 270 AD. He was known for his mildness and gentleness, which is why he chose this name for himself. The name was also used by several other Roman emperors, including Constantine I and Valentinian III.

In the Middle Ages, the name became popular among Spanish royalty and nobility. It was also adopted by some Italian families during this time. In modern times, it is still widely used in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America.

Popularity of the Name

The name Cleto is not particularly common in the United States but it does appear on the Social Security Administration’s list of top 1,000 baby names for boys born in 2019. It ranked at number 890 on that list. In Spain, however, it is much more popular; it ranked at number 39 on the list of most popular baby names for boys born in 2019.

Famous People Named Cleto

There are several famous people who have borne the name Cleto over the years. These include:

  • Cleto Escobedo III, an American musician best known for his work with The Tonight Show Band.
  • Cleto Rodríguez, a Mexican actor who appeared in numerous films and television shows.
  • Cleto Baccetti, an Italian painter who specialized in religious art.

Conclusion

The name Cleto has a long history dating back to ancient Rome. It has been used as a given name since then and remains popular today in Spain, Portugal, and Latin America. Although it is not particularly common in the United States, it does appear on the Social Security Administration’s list of top 1,000 baby names for boys born in 2019. There are also several famous people who have borne this name over the years.

By Ava Isabella Hartley

Ava Isabella Hartley is a renowned expert in the field of onomastics, the study of names and their meanings, with a particular focus on baby names. She holds a Master's degree in Linguistics from the University of Cambridge and has over 15 years of experience in the study of etymology, name trends, and cultural naming practices.

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