Anacletus as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Anacletus

What is the meaning of the name Anacletus ?

The baby name Anacletus is a Male name , 4 syllables long and is pronounced an-uh-KLEE-tuhs (/ˌænəˈkliːtəs/).

Anacletus is Greek in Origin.

Anacletus derives from Greek Anakletos (Ἀνάκλητος), via Latin, meaning “called back,” “invoked,” or more broadly “one who is summoned,” from ana- “again, up” + kalein “to call.” In early Christianity it gained prominence through Pope St. Anacletus (also Cletus), a 1st‑century bishop of Rome. Medieval lists sometimes counted Cletus and Anacletus as two popes; most scholars now regard them as the same man. The form Anencletus reflects a later confusion with a different Greek adjective meaning “blameless.”

Variants and cognates include Cletus and Cleto; Anacleto in Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese; Anaclet in French; and Greek Anakletos. Feminine forms such as Anacleta exist but are rare. Usage today is uncommon in English‑speaking countries, appearing more in Catholic contexts in Italy, Iberia, and parts of Latin America. The name conveys a dignified, liturgical aura tied to invocation and service.

⚙ Anacletus is a rare name. It doesn't appear in any of the major national birth registries we track; we found only 8 recorded uses across 2 countries. Expect very few children to share this name.