Cleo

Commonly linked to the Greek element for “glory.”

Cleo is a short, widely recognized feminine name with Greek roots and modern cross-language use. It’s compact on the page (four letters) and typically read as two syllables, which makes it easy to say and spell in many everyday settings. While it can stand on its own as a given name, it’s also often understood as a shortened form in the Cleo- family of Greek-origin names. From an etymology standpoint, Cleo is commonly linked to the Greek element *kleos*, often glossed as “glory.” You’ll frequently see it discussed in connection with longer historical names such as Cleopatra (which contains the same Greek element), but in modern naming it’s often used independently without requiring the full form. Because of that, sources may frame it either as a standalone name or as a familiar short form; both descriptions show up in practice. Pronunciation in English is usually KLEE-oh. A practical tip is that some speakers will briefly clip the second syllable, so if you want the full two-syllable rhythm, saying KLEE-oh once clearly when introducing the name is usually enough.

Etymology: Often treated as a short form of Greek-origin names that begin with Cleo- (for example, Cleopatra), connected to Greek *kleos* meaning “glory.”