Origin
Clea originates from Latin, derived from the Latin name 'Clēa', which is thought to be related to the Greek 'Kleō' meaning 'glory' or 'fame'. It has classical roots, appearing in various ancient texts and historical references, though it is of Latin origin rather than Indigenous Australian or Māori origin. The name was adopted in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, influenced by literary and religious contexts.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'glory' or 'fame'. In Australian English contexts, the name symbolises brightness and recognition, often associated with cultural recognition or admiration.
Pronunciation
/ˈkliːə/ (Australian English pronunciation: 'KLEE-uh', with emphasis on the first syllable) . "Clee" rhymes with 'see' and 'knee' while the second syllable 'a' is a schwa sound.
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Clēa (classical Latin spelling)
- Cléa (French influence, less common in Australia)
- Clea (standard Australian spelling)
Nicknames
- Clee
- Lea
Name Days
- 28 July (Feast of Saint Clea)
- 5 October (Māori Language Week celebrates Māori heritage which includes names like Clea in bicultural contexts) in Australia.
- Additionally, while not a traditional name day, several Christian denominations associated with Australia may observe Saint Clea on 28 July.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with clea:
- Charlotte and Clea
- Emily and Clea,
- Lily and Clea,
- Sophie and Clea
Fun Facts
- Clea is a relatively uncommon name in Australia, making it distinctive.
- The name gained some popularity through Australian literature and media, notably the character Clea in some Australian novels.
- In the Australian context, Clea has been used for characters in local theatre productions and indie films.
- While not traditionally Australian, the name has seen a slight rise in usage among parents seeking unique names for their daughters.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name clea:
- Charismatic
- Creative
- Elegant
- Introverted
Aesthetic Qualities
The name Clea has a clean, elegant aesthetic, with soft vowel sounds and simple spelling, making it visually appealing in Australian print and visual media.
Geographical Distribution
While globally scattered, the name Clea is more frequently registered in urban Australian states such as New South Wales and Victoria, with a slightly higher prevalence in arts and academic circles.
Numerological Significance
Name number 6, symbolising harmony, responsibility, and nurturing qualities. These traits are often associated with caring and artistic personalities.
Astrological Connections
No specific zodiac association, but the name's qualities resonate with Cancer and Libra traits, which are associated with harmony, beauty, and nurturing.
Historical Context
Historically, Clea has appeared in literary contexts, notably in works of Victorian literature and modern Australian fiction where characters are named to symbolise nobility or artistic qualities. Australian actress Clea Scott is a notable bearer of the name.
Linguistic Adaptability
Clea adapts well across languages, maintaining its form in English and lends itself to similar spellings in Romance languages, with minor variations such as Cléa in French.
Famous People Named clea
- Clea D achievable (Actress)
- Clea Scott (Australian actress)
- Clea Shearer (Australian-born stylist and author)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2014 | 1 |