Anacleto
Meaningcalled upon · Greek
Anacleto is a Mexican boy name meaning “called upon”, with Greek roots. Greek names often reach back to myth, philosophy and the early Church, so they come with a lot of history. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Anacleto has the name Ana hiding inside it.
- GenerationAnacleto peaked in 1928, which makes it a Silent Generation name, think grandparents and great-grandparents.
- HistoryAnacleto first shows up in US birth records in 1919, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 106 years since.
US births per million boys, 1919–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Anacleto
Anacleto is a boy name of Mexican origin meaning “called upon”. With 4 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, and plenty of room for a nickname, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It was most fashionable in the 1920s, which gives it a vintage, grandparent-chic charm. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name.
Origin:Mexican names
More Mexican boy names
- Boy name: Liam · resolute protector
- Boy name: Oliver · olive tree
- Boy name: Mateo · gift of God
- Boy name: Lucas · man from Lucania
- Boy name: Benjamin · son of the right hand
- Unisex name: Elias · my God is Yahweh
- Unisex name: Luca · man from Lucania
- Boy name: Sebastian · venerable
Questions about the name Anacleto
What does the name Anacleto mean?
Anacleto means “called upon” and comes from Greek.
What is the origin of the name Anacleto?
Anacleto is Mexican in origin, and its meaning traces back to Greek. Other Mexican names to consider are Liam (“resolute protector”), Oliver (“olive tree”), Mateo (“gift of God”) and Lucas (“man from Lucania”).
Is Anacleto a boy or girl name?
Anacleto is a boy name.
How popular is the name Anacleto?
Anacleto is rare: fewer than 5 US boys got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 1979. It peaked at #2,522 in 1928, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Anacleto?
Anacleto is a Mexican boy name meaning “called upon”, with Greek roots. Greek names often reach back to myth, philosophy and the early Church, so they come with a lot of history. A meaning like this gives a child something to grow into, and a good story to tell when someone asks about their name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's a longer name that leaves plenty of room for nicknames, and it pairs well with a short middle name. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.