As a spelling variant of Clio, the name is etymologically derived from the Greek root κλέω/κλείω,[1] Latinised as kleos[2](meaning "to recount", "to make famous", "to celebrate",[3][4] "glory",[5] "to praise" or "to acclaim").
Clio was the muse of history, who was responsible for providing inspiration to historians and poets.
The name has been embraced by many cultures where Greek influence was felt, including Cleopatra, the powerful queen of ancient Egypt, whose name was derived from Cleo.
In Western societies in more recent times, Cleo has evolved as a variant or short form of Cleopatra and used as a given name.
[2] It was commonly used for boys as well as girls in the early twentieth century, after being made popular by the 1917 silent film starring Theda Bara.