Find out how popular the first name Cletis has been for the last 23 years (from 1974 to 1996) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cletis by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Cletis is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 1996, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cletis.

The history of the first name Cletis

The name Cletis is believed to have originated from the Greek word "kletos," meaning "called" or "invited." It is a masculine name that has been used primarily in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States.

In ancient times, the name Cletis was not widely used or documented. However, it is possible that it may have been derived from the Greek name Cletus, which has a similar root and meaning. Cletus was a relatively common name in ancient Greece and was also used in early Christian communities.

The earliest recorded instance of the name Cletis appears to be in the late 19th century in the United States. One of the first notable individuals with this name was Cletis Toup (1857-1932), an American outlaw and gunfighter known for his involvement in the Lincoln County War in New Mexico.

Another historical figure bearing the name Cletis was Cletis Ledbetter (1888-1963), an American baseball player who played in the Major Leagues for the St. Louis Browns and the Cleveland Naps between 1909 and 1912.

In the 20th century, Cletis Barnwell (1919-1993) was a prominent African American businessman and civil rights activist from Mississippi. He played a significant role in the desegregation of public facilities and the advancement of voting rights for Black Americans.

Cletis Carr (1936-2008) was an American blues singer and guitarist who recorded for various record labels, including Excello Records and Federal Records, in the 1950s and 1960s.

The name Cletis also gained recognition through Cletis L. Tanner (1942-2008), a United States Army veteran and author who wrote several books about his experiences during the Vietnam War, including "The Last Valley" and "Memoirs of a Vietnam Veteran."

While the name Cletis has been relatively uncommon throughout history, it has been carried by individuals from diverse backgrounds, ranging from outlaws and athletes to civil rights activists and authors. Despite its obscure origins, the name has managed to leave its mark on various aspects of American history and culture.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Cletis was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Cletis, please contact us.

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