Anacletus

Anacletus is the Latinized form of the Greek name Ἀνάκλητος (Anakletos), derived from the word ἀνάκλητος meaning "invoked". The name is best known as that of the third pope, who served as Bishop of Rome following Peter and Linus.

Etymology

The Greek root ἀνάκλητος (anakletos) combines the prefix ἀνα- (ana-, "back, again") with κλητός (kletos, "called"), so "invoked" or "one who has been called back". The simpler form Cletus (Greek Κλητος, Kletos) means "one who has been called", and the variant Anencletus is sometimes interpreted as "unimpeachable" or "blameless".

The Third Pope

Saint Pope Anacletus, also known as Cletus, lived from about AD 15 to about AD 92. According to tradition, he ordained a number of priests and established roughly twenty-five parishes in Rome. His pontificate is traditionally dated from AD 80 to AD 92, and he is considered a martyr, though details of his death are uncertain. Anacletus is commemorated in the Roman Canon of the Mass, and his feast day is April 26.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Anacletus holds a prominent place in early church history as a successor to Saint Peter. The dual name forms—Cletus for the martyr-saint and Anacletus as an honorary expansion—reflect Greek onomastic patterns where an alpha-prefix conveys intensity or recurrence. The name has likely never been common, but it appears in martyrologies and liturgical texts.

Related Forms

Other languages and cultures have produced variants including English Cletis, Cletus, French African Anaclet, Spanish Anacleto and Cleto.

• Meaning: Invoked
• Origin: Ancient Greek
• Type: First name
• Usage Regions: Ancient Greek, Catholic tradition