Clever

Meaning of Clever

Clever, pronounced KLEV-ər in English, derives from the Old English adjective clǣfer, originally denoting intellectual acuity and resourcefulness, and operates within the Anglo-American naming tradition as a lexeme-turned-proper name that explicitly conveys attributes of ingenuity and mental agility. Its bisyllabic structure, with primary stress on the first syllable, aligns with standard English phonotactics, offering both clarity of articulation and morphological simplicity. Unencumbered by established lineage or clan associations, Clever occupies a distinctive position in onomastic practice as a semantically transparent appellation that directly encodes aspirational cognitive qualities. Empirical data from the U.S. Social Security Administration attest to its niche usage—annual registrations remain in the single digits, with SSA rankings fluctuating between the low 800s and mid 900s since the early 2000s—underscoring its appeal to parents seeking a technically precise, intellectually resonant choice.

Pronunciation

American English

• Pronunced as KLEV-er (/klɛvər/)

British English

• Pronunced as KLEV-uh (/klɛvər/)

• Bright
• Genius