Find out how popular the first name Cleve has been for the last 40 years (from 1974 to 2013) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Cleve by gender

Based on the last 40 years of data, Cleve is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2013, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Cleve.

The history of the first name Cleve

The name Cleve originates from Old English and dates back to the 5th century. It is derived from the Old English word "clif," meaning a steep rock, cliff, or slope. The name was initially used to describe someone who lived near or on a cliff.

In the early Middle Ages, the name Cleve was primarily found in Anglo-Saxon regions of England. It was a common name among those living in areas with rocky terrain or near cliffs. Over time, the spelling evolved from "Clif" to "Cleve" and "Cleeve."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Cleve can be found in the Domesday Book, a historical record of land ownership in England compiled in 1086 by order of King William the Conqueror. The name appears as "Clive" and refers to several landowners and villages in various counties.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Cleve. One of the earliest was Cleve of Mercia (c. 650 - c. 700), an Anglo-Saxon prince and later a Christian saint. Another was Cleve of Nantes (c. 890 - c. 950), a Breton monk and writer who authored several religious works.

In the 13th century, Cleve de Bury (c. 1200 - c. 1270) was an English cleric and author who wrote on philosophy and theology. During the Renaissance, Cleve van Someren (1506 - 1572) was a Dutch painter known for his religious works and portraits.

In more recent times, Cleve Woodson (1921 - 2010) was an American jazz saxophonist and composer who played with various big bands and recorded several albums. Cleve Mercer (1909 - 1992) was an American football player and coach, most notably for the University of Kansas.

While the name Cleve has its roots in Old English and was once common in Britain, it has become relatively rare in modern times. However, its unique history and connection to the natural landscape of cliffs and rocky terrain make it a distinctive name with a rich cultural heritage.

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 Cleve was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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