Meaning, origin, history
Cleavon is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It was created by the actor Cleavon Little, who was born Clavon Lee Little Jr., but decided to change his name to Cleavon before he started acting professionally.
The meaning behind the name Cleavon is not explicitly clear as it was created by its bearer rather than having a traditional etymological origin. However, some sources suggest that it could be interpreted as "cliff" or "rock," derived from the Old English word "cleeve," which means "ravine" or "cliff."
Cleavon Little was an American actor best known for his role in the 1974 film "Blazing Saddles" directed by Mel Brooks. He played the character of Sheriff Bart, a Black sheriff appointed to a small Old West town, and his performance earned him critical acclaim.
Despite its unique origin, Cleavon has not gained widespread popularity as a given name in American culture or beyond. It remains a rare and distinctive choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Cleavon since 1880
Total births
241
Total since 1880
Peak year
1973
37 births
in 2007
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
→
vs previous 5 years