Clea

The name Clea is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the ancient Greek word "kleos," which means "glory" or "renown." It is believed to have been initially used as a name during the Hellenistic period, which spanned from around 323 BCE to 31 BCE.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Clea can be found in ancient Greek literature, particularly in the works of the ancient Greek historian Plutarch. In his work "Lives of the Noble Grecians and Romans," Plutarch mentions a woman named Clea, who was the wife of the philosopher and mathematician Cleanthes.

In ancient Egypt, the name Clea was also associated with the goddess Cleopatra, who was revered as the goddess of fertility and childbirth. The name Cleopatra, which shares a similar root with Clea, was a popular name among Egyptian royalty, and it is possible that the name Clea was used as a variant or a shortened form.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Clea. One of the earliest known examples is Clea of Byzantium, a Greek philosopher who lived in the 4th century BCE and was a student of Crates of Thebes. Another notable figure is Clea of Sicyon, a Greek sculptor who lived in the 2nd century BCE and was renowned for her works in bronze and marble.

In the 20th century, the name Clea gained popularity due to the character Clea from the novels of the British author Lawrence Durrell. The character, Clea, was a central figure in Durrell's Alexandria Quartet, a series of novels set in Alexandria, Egypt. This literary connection likely contributed to the name's resurgence in popularity during that time period.

Other notable individuals named Clea include Clea Shearer, an American entrepreneur and co-founder of the home organization company The Home Edit, and Clea DuVall, an American actress, director, and screenwriter known for her roles in films such as "Girl, Interrupted" and "The Faculty."