Is this name too girly?

[gwensmom]

I think Cleo is somewhat a unisex name. Sure its a nickname for Cleopatra. However it seems to me to be a male name, especially considering it's "o" ending. Leo and Theo are boy names but can also be short for Leonarda and Theodora. I think the average person would think it's a boy. That being said, I'd name your son Cleo.

I would never, ever think that Cleo was a boy - I don't even think it seems unisex. I think it would be like naming your son Ashley - yes, I understand that boys used to be named Ashley but that doesn't really help your real, live son who has to grow up with a girls' name. I would try to find another way to honor your grandfather or at least use Cleo as a middle name.

[lizzyq]

I would also NEVER think Cleo was a boy! It is totally a girl name. My great-grandmother was named Cleo.

If you want to honor your grandfather with the name Cleo, the middle name spot would be perfect for that (We only honor family members with a middle name, as we want our children to have their own first names). Or maybe you could consider your grandfather's middle name as the honoring name.

[lyndsayjenness]

I have never ever ever heard that Cleo could be a boys name. Seriously? If I met a boy named Cleo I would think he was joking. I think he would be in for extreme teasing because of his name, and I'm normally one who says not to worry about that. I know I'm not a guy so I can't say with 100% certainty, but I think a boy would HATE being named Cleo today. I just honestly can't see any valid reason for naming a boy Cleo, grandfather's name or not. It is something you like because of your grandfather, but you aren't the one who will have to live with the name. Why not name him Leo instead? Or use Cleopas as a middle name.

I'm very sorry to be so negative. I just think this would be more akin to naming your son Sue as in the Johnny Cash song than Riley. And I'm a person who likes "girls" names for boys, I like Riley, Kelly, Lindsey, etc. all much more for boys. Cleo is in a different league.

[lis09]

I went to high school with a guy named Cleo so I always thought it was a male name. I thought Cleo was male and Clea was for the girls. It doesn't sound feminine to me at all. It reminds me of Leo. I think it would be fine to use it for a boy. He could always fall back on Leo as a nickname if needed.

[alexandramae]

I forgot to add that I've known several animals (all male) named Cleo. Most were cats and one was a dog and another a horse. I also read a novel, where the main character gets a dog and names him Cleo because his fur makes him look like a lion. That's when I fell in love with the name (main character's name was Noble and I fell hard for that, too).

I've never, ever considered this name as a female name and I stand by my comment that it'd be akin to naming your child Riley today. Or Alexis. Yes, Alexis is a popular MALE name, especially in other countries and provinces. Alexis is even more popular than the real spelling of Reilly.

I say go for it. I mean, what child knows a Cleo? What child knows Cleopatra and CALLS her Cleo or has heard her be referred to as such? What child will know Miss Cleo, the ex Psychic? Not a one, I bet. It's the parents you have to worry about and I'm sorry -- Many of them need an education. I would give it to them. Why let people be ignorant for their entire lives?

[phoebesmom]

I want to cast my vote in the "no way" camp. Cleo is undoubtedly a girls' name in my mind. I would consider it much more decidedly feminine than Riley or Ashley (which were boys' names in more recent history, and have surname roots, which tips the balance to more androgynous.) As for no child knowing a Cleo, I have a feeling that will change. Cleo is mentioned quite often as a name suggestion on this site, has the fusty old lady charm, and ends in the desirable "o." Girls names ending in 'O' have been a topic on several blogs-Margo, Marlo, Cleo. Another name blogger does have a girl named Clio. My first thought when I read your post was "A Boy named Sue." I highly doubt that your son will thank you for naming him Cleo. I think Leo would make a great compromise.

[hoodie]

Yes, I think it's too girly. I agree with pp that Leo would be a nice compromise.

[daisysmum]

I will disagree with almost everyone on here. Cleo is a boys name to me and a handsome one at that! I say go for it! It has a nice family meaning for you too.

[lyndsayjenness]

My first thought when I read your post was "A Boy named Sue."

Exactly! I'm very curious where everyone is from who considers Cleo a boys' name? I'm from California and I have never in my life heard it as a boys name. Actually my main association with it is the (very feminine) fish in Pinocchio, which I think many children do still watch. I'd wager that most children would think it was a girls name because of that.

[eglantine]

Not too girly for me.

But I also think Ashley is fine for a boy.