Cleave Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Cleave is an Old English name that means 'to split' and is derived from the word 'cleofan'. It has evolved through various historical forms and reflects a connection to geographical features. The name has no biblical relevance. It saw popularity in the Middle Ages and has become more appreciated in modern times for its unique and historical qualities.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Cleave"
Pronunciation
/kliːv/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Cleave is derived from the Old English word 'cleofan', which means 'to split' or 'to cleave'. It originally referred to a geographical feature or a person who lived near a cleft or ravine.
Meaning
to split or sever
Language Evolution
Old English: Cleofan, Middle English: Cleven, Modern English: Cleave
Historical Usage
The name Cleave gained popularity in England during the Middle Ages. Its use declined but saw a resurgence in the 20th century as names with Old English roots became more fashionable.
Variants & Derivatives
Cleeve, Clev, Clevie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Cleave is seen as a unique and somewhat old-fashioned name, appealing to those who appreciate historical names with strong meanings.
Famous People
Cleave McDowell, an American artist, Cleave Smith, a notable writer
📊 Cleave Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Cleave Name Visualizations
✨ Cleave Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 18 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 1 US states, with strongest presence in Texas
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Cleave" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Cleave". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Cleave" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Cleave"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Cleave"
"Cleave" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2442nd of 7545 | 180 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3273rd of 6773 | 97 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4003rd of 7552 | 70 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 9331st of 10718 | 10 |
Regional Popularity of "Cleave" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
91.55% 2166th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Cleave" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Cleave"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Cleave" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Cleave" in the United States
The name Cleave is most popular in Texas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Cleave has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, 'Cleave' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2442nd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3273rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4003rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 9331st out of 10718 names. Discover how the name 'Cleave' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.