The nameTeddy

Teddy is a boy's name, a pet form of Edward or Theodore. Gentle and friendly, it reached the top 20 in England and Wales.

Meaning

Teddy is a diminutive of Edward, "rich guardian", or Theodore, "gift of God".

Origin

English. The teddy bear was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, known as Teddy, in 1902.

History

Teddy became a name in its own right in Britain from the 2010s, reaching the top 20 in England and Wales.

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Famous people named Teddy

Popularity of the name Teddy

Teddy in the United States

895thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
1949peak year (637 births)
35,040babies named Teddy in the United States since 1880
0319637 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Teddy was most popular in the United States in the 1950s, with 5,637 births over the decade, 16% of all recorded babies named Teddy. Its rise began around 1914, and it peaked in 1949. Half of all babies named Teddy in the United States were born before 1955, so it is mostly a grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 243 births a year on average, against 114 in the five years before.

Teddy in the United Kingdom

37thmost popular boys' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2022peak year (2,176 births)
23,224babies named Teddy in the United Kingdom since 1997
01,0882,176 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Teddy was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 11,112 births over the decade, 48% of all recorded babies named Teddy. Its rise began around 2010, and it peaked in 2022. Half of all babies named Teddy in the United Kingdom were born before 2019, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 1,807 births a year.

Teddy in Ireland

71stmost popular boys' name in Ireland in 2025
2023peak year (96 births)
709babies named Teddy in Ireland since 1964
04896 198020002020
Births per year in Ireland. Source: Central Statistics Office, names given at least 3 times a year.

Teddy in France

1412thmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
1986peak year (1,020 births)
23,705babies named Teddy in France since 1900
05101,020 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Teddy

Names from the same generation as Teddy, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Teddy? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Teddy with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Teddy side by side with the name of your choice.

Teddy in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Teddy mean?

Teddy is a diminutive of Edward, "rich guardian", or Theodore, "gift of God".

What is the origin of the name Teddy?

English. The teddy bear was named after President Theodore Roosevelt, known as Teddy, in 1902.

Is Teddy a girl's or a boy's name?

Teddy is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Teddy?

In 2024, Teddy was the 895th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 262 births.

What are the variants of the name Teddy?

Variants and related names of Teddy include Edward.

What are good sibling names for Teddy?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Nellie, Billie, Marnie and Salome for a sister, Louie, Sonny, Otis and Ollie for a brother.

Who are famous people named Teddy?

Teddy Roosevelt, President of the United States; Teddy Sheringham, footballer; Teddy Riner, judoka; Teddy Swims, singer.