Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Chloe

The English borrowed Chloe from the French Chloé. Both forms are ultimately derived from the Greek “khlóē” meaning “small (young) green shoot of a plant”. The name is related to the Greek “khloros” meaning “greenish-yellow” in reference to the color of a small, young shoot. The origin of the Greek word “khloros” is hypothetically traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root *ghel (“to shine”); the same root where we get the English word “yellow”. In ancient Greece, Khloe was a nickname given to Demeter, apropos, the goddess of fertility, the harvest and the seasons in Greek mythology. Chloe is also considered a Biblical name, as she’s mentioned fleetingly in 1 Corinthians 1:11 in the context of “the House of Chloe” which brought decisiveness to Paul’s teachings. It was the Puritans who uncovered these lesser known Biblical names after the Protestant Reformation. It was the Puritan naming practice which favored Hebrew Old Testament and lesser known Greek New Testament names. They readily bestowed such names on their children as an act of modesty before the Lord (they were also demonstrating their full and in-depth knowledge of The Bible). Chloe is enjoying a massive revival among English-speakers everywhere. This “young green shoot” has shot up the charts in Australia, Northern Ireland, Ireland, Canada, the United States, England, Wales and Scotland. However, Chloé is still most popular among the French in France and Belgium.

All About the Baby Name – Chloe

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME CHLOE

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME CHLOE

As mentioned above, the name Chloe probably came to America by way of the Puritans in the early days of settlement; although, as an obscure Biblical name it never saw any true favorability. At the turn of the 20th century, the name was in moderate to low circulation and eventually disappeared into obscurity between 1940 and 1980. Very quickly and very suddenly, however, Chloe took a turn for the better starting in the 1980s. By the turn of the 21st century, Chloe was a solid favorite for baby girls (and a Top 10 choice between 2008 and 2011). She is following the current naming trend associated with the revival of “older” charming, classical names (think: Emma, Sophia, Olivia and Abigail) that have all become fast favorites of this new millennium. The historic pendulum has swung and we love this name again!

Quick Facts

ON CHLOE

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

14

PRONUNCIATION:

KHLOH-ee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Young green shoot

Characteristics

OF CHLOE

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Chloe

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME CHLOE

Aunt Chloe is the wife of Uncle Tom in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s famous anti-slavery novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, published in 1852. A virtuous Christian, Chloe is the self-effacing cook for the Shelbys, and certainly brings to mind the enforced stereotype of slavery, the black “Mammy”. Chloe loves her husband and children, does her duty, and accepts her fate. When Tom is sold off the plantation, however, Chloe becomes determined to try to redeem him, along with the help of Mrs. Shelby and her son. Chloe works for years in order to save the money needed. Such virtue must be its own reward; however, as Chloe’s cruel fate is to learn that her husband has died. Her last appearance has her sobbing on her mistress’ shoulder, while apologizing for doing so.

This one is definitely an obscure reference. “Daphnis and Chloe” is the only known work of the 2nd century Greek novelist, Longus. The story would later become an inspiration for an operetta written by Offenbach (1860) and the subject of a ballet written by Maurice Ravel (1912). “Daphnis and Chloe” is the story of a boy (Daphnis) and a girl (Chloe), each of whom is abandoned at birth and discovered, respectively, by a goat-herder and a shepherd who decide to raise the children as their own. The two children grow up together and eventually fall in love. Naïve and innocent, they do not understand these feelings. So, a wise old cow-herder explains to them what love is, and tells them that the only cure is "kissing." They do this. Later, Daphnis is educated in the art of love-making by a woman from the city. The woman warns Daphnis not to test this newly-acquired skill on the virginal Chloe because he will cause her great pain. In the meantime, Chloe is courted by many suitors some of whom try and abduct her until she saved by the intervention of the god Pan (in Greek mythology the God of shepherds and flocks). In the end, Daphnis and Chloe are recognized by their parents, get married, and live out their lives in the country.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME CHLOE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Chloe


Popular Songs

ON CHLOE

Chloe
a song by Blood or Whiskey

Famous People

NAMED CHLOE

Chloe Anthony Wofford (aka Toni Morrison, Nobel Prize winning author)
Chloe Sevigny (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED CHLOE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Chloe

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME CHLOE

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Chloe