Chloe Name Meaning

Lastest Updated March 15, 2024
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If you love Chloe, it’s worth checking out Chloe name meaning and other essential facts coming along with it! While not an oh-so-popular name in the US at the moment, Chloe is familiar enough that you can bump into some little Chloes now and then.

And if you’re having your eye on this classic name, why not find out more about it before jumping to a conclusion? This post has all the must-know information about Chloe, including its historical journey, popularity over the years, and suggestions for middle names that you shouldn’t miss!

Make The Right Decision
You want to make the right decision for your kid, so it’s worth learning about Chloe first!

An Overview Of The Name Chloe

Take a look at this summary before heading into the detailed analysis of the name Chloe:

Meaning “Fertility”, “blooming”, and “green sprout”.
OriginGreek
Pronunciation/kloh-ee/
GenderChloe is traditionally used as a feminine title.
PopularityChloe is a once-neglected name that has seen a resurgence in use recently. As per SSA statistics, it was the 24th most common girl name in the US in 2021.
VariationsChloé, Chloë, Cloe, Cloé, Cloee, Cloey, Khloe, Khloey, Kloe, etc. 
NicknamesClo, Co-co, Clover, Clove, Clo-Clo, Coey, Loey, Lo-lo, Lola, Chlo, etc. 
Similar NamesCaroline, Cleo, Clover, Keira, Keyla, Kylie, Oaklee, Zoe, etc. 
Sibling NamesFor Boys: Darrell, James, Kevin, Lucas, Zack, etc.

For Girls: Bailey, Charlotte, Faye, Sage, Rebecca, etc. 
Middle NamesJosephine, Leila, Luna, Marie, Nora, Willow, etc. 

The Meanings And Origins Behind The Name Chloe

Chloe, along with other spelling forms Chloë and Chloé, is an old Greek name that dates back to the second century. The name emerges from the Proto-Indo-European root *ǵʰelh₃-, translating to “blooming”, “green sprout”, or “fertility”.

In fact, this root has developed numerous scientific terms, including chlorine, chloroplast, and chlorophyll. The latter is responsible for creating green pigments in plants and algae.

This sweet-sounding name is associated with many honorable women throughout history. In ancient times, Chloe was initially used as an epithet for the Greek goddess – Demeter. The name represents the aspect of everlasting fertility of this deity.

Chloe is also a biblical name, mentioned in the New Testament as the title of an early Christian convert.

What Is The Gender Of The Name Chloe?

Chloe is a traditional and classic girl name. Perhaps due to the association with the Greek goddess, Chloe’s usage naturally gears towards girls.

Chloe is rarely chosen for baby boys; at least, that’s what Social Security Administration (SSA) data suggests. It hasn’t made it to the top 1000 most popular boy names in any year since the SSA birth records started collecting data.

Is Chloe A Common Name?

Chloe is among the Greek names that enjoy enduring popularity in the English-speaking world. For the first half of the 20th century, this feminine name didn’t earn much recognition among US parents.

It did sustain in the top 1000 most-often-used names, but its popularity slowly but surely dwindled to drop out of the popularity ladder after 1943.

In 1982, there were more than enough babies named Chloe to vault the name back to the top 1000 choices after almost four decades of absence.

The comeback at the 849th might not be impressive, but the explosion in use afterward to peak at the 9th position in 2009 and 2010 was unprecedented for such a long-overlooked name. In 2021, Chloe still held a strong presence in the US, standing at 24th.

Chloe is not only in frequent use in the US. Other English-speaking countries like Australia, the United Kingdom, France, and Ireland also see a resurgence of Chloe in recent years. An increasing number of parents who adopt this Greek name are also recorded in Italy and Spain.

Chloe & Name Variations

Chloe is among the oldest feminine names and also has a tie to the Bible. Therefore, it’s no wonder it has numerous international spelling manifestations. Below lists the most common ones!

  • Chloé (French, Greek)
  • Chloë, Cloe, Cloé, Cloee, Cloey, Khloe, Khloey, Kloe (Greek)

Nicknames & Names Similar To Chloe

Names Similar To Chloe
Although Chloe is cute enough, it’s also fun to have a spunky nickname to call her at home.

For Chloe, there are various ways to call her at home affectionately. Here are the most common options:

  • Clo
  • Co-co
  • Clover
  • Clove
  • Clo-Clo
  • Coey
  • Loey
  • Lo-lo
  • Lola
  • Chlo

Explore more options below if you love the name Chloe. They all bear some resemblances that might interest you and your spouse:

NamesPronunciationMeaningOrigin
Caroline/kar-uh-lin/

/ker-uh-lin/

/kar-uh-lien/
Freeman, free womanFrench, German
Cleo/klee-oh/

/klee-o/
To make famous, glory, to celebrateGreek
Clover/kloh-ver/

/k-l-oh-v-er/

/klow-vaher/
meadow flower, key, cloverBritish
Keira/kih-r-ah/

/key-rah/
Little dark one, dark, blackIrish, Gaelic
Keyla/kiy-laa/

/key-la/
Slim and fair, keeper of the keys, who is like God, pure, belovedAmerican, Irish, Hebrew, and British
Kyliekahy-lee

kie-lee

kay-liy
Boomerang, narrow channel, princess, beautiful, gracefulNoongar, Scottish, Australian
Oaklee/oak-lee/Oak clearing, meadow of oak trees,British
Zoe/zoie/

/zoey/

/zoye/

/zohie/
LifeGreek

What Are The Best Sibling Name Ideas For Chloe?

You might want to take a look at these matching names for brothers and sisters if you choose Chloe for your little girl.

For Sons

Brothers of Chloe can be given any of these lovely monikers. None of them come from Greece, but they sound exactly on point with Chloe.

  • Darrell: Darrell can come either from France or England. It functioned as a French place name and is used for those living in the region once called Airelle. Thus, one of its translations is “from Airelle”. Regarding its British roots, Darrell derives from “deorling”, denoting “dear one” and “beloved”. It’s a perfect name to celebrate the family’s heritage from both countries or express your love for the little one.
  • James: This mega-popular biblical name is seemingly finding its way back to glory. It once ruled the popularity chart for well over a decade before settling down at the edge of the top 20. James climbed again to the 5th position in 2021. James is a derivation of another huge Hebrew boy’s name Jacob. Both mean “supplanter”. The Bible story depicted Jacob holding on to his twin brother’s heel the moment he was born. This explains why the name got this meaning.
  • Kevin: The classic Kevin stems from “Caoimhín” – an Irish male name. It can be broken down into “caomh” for “noble” or “dear” and “cóem” for “birth”. Thus, the ultimate definition is “noble birth”. That said, “handsome” and “beloved” are widely accepted ways to interpret this name. Kevin was the title of a patron Saint in the seventh century, famed for establishing a scholastic monastery near Dublin.
  • Lucas: Lucas is a cool and strong Latin title that means “man from Lucania”. Lucania is an ancient historical place in Southern Italy, known as Basilicata in present-day (1). This place name, in turn, is thought to mean “light” or “white”, which explains how Lucas got the other meaning – “bringer of light”. Etymologies aside, this name will be the inner torch to guide its bearers through those dark times in their life.
  • Zack: Just a letter away from the popular “Jack”, this name is a lovely alternative if you seek a similar vibe. Yet, Zack has separate etymology. Rooted in Hebrew, it means “The Lord has remembered” or “laughter”.

For Daughters

Plan ahead for Chloe’s sisters, too. Hopefully, with these naming suggestions, you won’t have to deal with future struggles after choosing the name Chloe.

  • Bailey: Interestingly, Bailey started as a traditionally masculine name in England. Nevertheless, when traveling to America, it gradually gravitates towards femininity, especially after the 1970s. “Law enforcer”, “bailiff”, “berry clearing”, and “city fortification” are the definitions behind this British relaxing name.
  • Charlotte: A charming female equivalent of the French name “Charles”, Charlotte means “free man”. This feminine name has joined its classic pals like Olivia, Emma, and Isabella to run the US’s popularity chart. Charlotte is the choice of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge for their only daughter, who is currently the third in the line to the throne. Yet, even long before that, Charlotte has been a name of high status in the royal family. Queen Charlotte, alongside her husband, King George III, ruled the country in the 18th century.
  • Faye: This brief girl name is believed to hail from Old Norman French “fei”. The name primarily means “belief”, “loyalty”, and “fairy”. Faye can alternatively be spelled as “Fay”. However, modern parents prefer an “e” at the end.
  • Sage: Sage evokes the image of the eponymous fragrant herb (2). Yet, it makes a fantastic name choice as it denotes “healthy” and “wise”. Sage will remind your girl that brain power and good health will help her go far in life.
  • Rebecca: The Hebrew translation of Rebecca is “to bind” or “tie”, which can be a way to strengthen the bond between you and your offspring. The name also has another pretty meaning, “captivating beauty”, which can flatter any baby girl. One of its spelling forms, Rebekah, boasts a strong presence in the Bible as the title of the wife of Isaac and the mother of the twin Jacob and Esau.

Middle Names To Elevate The Name Chloe

Elevate The Name Chloe
Adorn your little daughter’s name by adding a great middle name!

Are you still searching for a perfect middle name for Chloe? Then, here are some ideal options that can pair exceedingly well with this Greek name!

  • Josephine: This French variant of Joseph means “Jehovah increases” or “Jehovah shall grow” and is mostly used for girls. Josephine is a name with grace and sophistication. It’s little wonder why it’s well-loved in literature, from Dawson’s Creek and the Pussycats to Little Women. If you use Josephine as a French name, be sure to place the accent in the first “e”.
  • Leila: Originating in Arabic, Leila traveled West thanks to the celebrated British poet Lord Byron in the 19th century. In his epic poem Don Juan, he chose this name for a ten-year-old Turkish girl. This lyrical moniker means “night” and “dark”. If it’s given to a girl born during the night, Leila specifically denotes “daughter of the night”.
  • Luna: This name might remind many of the Harry Potter witch with the famous line, “You’re Just As Sane As I Am”. Yet, if you’re into astrology or Roman mythology (or both), you might be more familiar with the Roman goddess of the moon – Luna. Either way, this Latin moniker means “moon” and comes with a huge source of inspiration for its bearers.
  • Marie: Marie has graced many online lists of classic baby girl names. Although its heyday goes back to the early 1900s, this Latin name, denoting “star of the sea”, is still a stellar choice for sea lovers.
  • Nora: While Nora is often considered an Irish name, it’s a multicultural name with diverse meanings. Nora is a version of Honora in Ireland, which arises from the Latin word for “honor”. Yet, it’s supposedly a French name that comes from “Eleanora”, meaning “light”. In Hungary, Nora similarly means “shining light”. It’s a classic and stylish name that ranked 27th in 2021 in America.
  • Willow: This whimsical name traces back to the Old English word “welig” for “willow”. Thus, it belongs to the nature theme and signifies “willow tree”. Joining the top 1000 choices quite late, this British girl name has been among the fastest climbers on the popularity ladder. Its 2021’s ranking is 39th, a huge leap from its starting point of 854th in 1998.

Chloe’s Occurrences In Pop Culture!

Chloe is among the pop culture staples. Thanks to its friendly sound and effortless femininity, Chloe is a favorite choice of many TV series, animation, and other works of art.

  • Chloe Beale: A movie character in the movie franchise Pitch Perfect and its sequel.
  • Chloe Carter: A fictional character on the TV series Harper’s Island.
  • Chloe Carter: Eddie’s ex-fiancée in the family drama series Hollywood Heights.
  • Chloe Cerise: A supporting character in the anime series Pokémon Journeys: The Series.
  • Chloe Frazer: A professional treasure hunter in the Uncharted video game franchise.
  • Chloe King: The main character in the supernatural drama series The Nine Lives of Chloe King.
  • Chloe Mitchell: A character in the CBS TV series The Young and the Restless.
  • Chloe O’Brian: A senior intelligence analyst in the American drama-action TV series 24.
  • Chloe Sullivan: A talented hacker on the American TV series Smallville.

Well-Known Personalities Named Chloe

One major advantage of such a dated name is that Chloe has been borne by many famous figures. Therefore, it is a huge source of inspiration for its young bearers.

  • Chloe Ashcroft (born 1942): British former TV presenter and actress.
  • Chloe Ardelia Wofford (1931-2019): Known by the pen name Toni Morrison, American novelist and the National Book Critics Circle Award winner.
  • Chloe Bennett (born 1992): Born Chloe Wang – an American actress and singer.
  • Chloe Bridges (born 1991): American actress known for her role as Zoey Moreno in the sitcom Freddie.
  • Chloe Dao (born 1972): American TV personality and fashion designer.
  • Chloe Smith (born 1982): British politician and the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions of the UK.
  • Chloe Sutton (born 1992): American competition swimmer.
  • Chloe Webb (born 1956): American actress who played in the movies Twins, Sid and Nancy, and The Belly of an Architect.
  • Chloë Agnew (born 1989): Irish singer-songwriter.

FAQs

Let’s get to know more about the name Chloe by browsing some of the most related questions about it:

No. Chloe is primarily interpreted as a “young green shoot”, “fertility”, and “blooming”. However, it was also used as an alternative way to call Demeter, the Greek goddess of fertility and agriculture.

No known notable royals bear this name, so Chloe is not considered a royal title. That said, with positive connotations like “young green shoot” and “blooming”, Chloe is a classic name that will flourish with its bearers.

Chloe rather belongs to the classic category. The name finds its way back to as early as the 2nd century, so it has impressive longevity.

Yet, have you ever heard the phrase “everything old is new again”? Chloe is a shining example of it. The name was the 24th most common name in the US in 2021, which might herald a new era of fame for it.

This Greek name is mostly associated with green and yellow. It is because the name arises from the Proto-Indo-European root *ǵʰelh₃-, which is closely tied to these hues.

Chloe was mentioned in the New Testament in reference to “the house of Chloe” (in 1 Corinthians 1:11). Some sources suggest that the name means “green herb” and belonged to an early Christian woman in Corinth, Greece.

Chloe: A Name That’s On The Rise!

Although there’s no particular trend driving the name to stardom, Chloe has performed exceptionally well over the past two decades. Popularity aside, its interpretations and association with the Greek goddess give the name so many advantages over many other monikers.

A girl with this name will have the inner drive to thrive, as its meanings suggest “blooming” and “fertility”. Yet, if you’re reluctant about certain aspects of this moniker, feel free to let me know. Is this post helpful to you? If yes, please share it on your social platforms!

References

  1. ssa.gov. 2022. The Popularity Of A Name.
  2. wikipedia.org. 2022. Basilicata.
  3. britannica.com. 2022. Sage, plant.
Helen Doanna

Helen Doanna

Editor in Chief, Educational Specialist, and Senior Content Creator

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Child Development Specialist, Child-care Coordinator, Family Support Specialist, Content Writer, Communications Specialist, Educational Consultant, STEAM Teacher

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1. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Literature and Journalism
  • Focus: In-depth knowledge of Literature, knowledge and skills to perceive, create literature or work in related fields; Basic knowledge of communications.

2. University of Social Science and Humanity, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Education Faculty
  • Focus: Core knowledge of social sciences and humanities – the root for the development of progressive values of education, Multicultural communication in education, Contemporary education in the context of globalization, Learning in the digital technology era, Basic issues of STEAM education, Classroom Management, Special education.

3. Oregon State University, Oregan, US

  • Program: Bachelor’s degree in Faculty of Human Development and Family Sciences – Child Development
  • Focus: Different stages of development, from infancy to adulthood; Develop a strong foundation for a career in early childhood programs or classrooms; Learn strategies for supporting young children’s development in early childhood settings.

Helen is an experienced educational specialist and content creator, known for her innovative approach to children’s learning. With a background in literature and child development, she composes engaging educational content for SimpleKids.net. Her work emphasizes creativity, engagement, and simplicity, aiming to make learning enjoyable and accessible for children and their families.

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