The nameTheodore
Theodore is a boy's name of Greek origin meaning "gift of God". Long seen as old-fashioned, it was the fourth most popular boys' name in the United States in 2024.
- Boy's name
- Greek
- Feast day
Meaning
Theodore comes from the Greek Theodoros, made of theos, "god", and doron, "gift": "gift of God".
Origin
Greek. The name was borne by many early saints, such as Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury in the 7th century.
History
President Theodore Roosevelt, known as Teddy, gave his nickname to the teddy bear in 1902. After decades in the shadows, Theodore made a spectacular comeback in the 2010s and entered the American top 10 in 2021. Theo is its usual short form.
Did you know?
- Theodore Roosevelt became president in 1901 at 42, the youngest in American history.
- Théodore Géricault's The Raft of the Medusa was shown at the Paris Salon of 1819.
Famous people named Theodore
- Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury
- Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States
- Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), writer
- Theo James, actor
Popularity of the name Theodore
Theodore in the United States
Theodore was most popular in the United States in the 2020s, with 52,204 births over the decade, 17% of all recorded babies named Theodore. Its rise began around 1912, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Theodore in the United States were born before 1963, although it is popular again today. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 10,441 births a year on average, against 6,006 in the five years before.
Theodore in the United Kingdom
Theodore was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2020s, with 17,406 births over the decade, 51% of all recorded babies named Theodore. Its rise began around 2005, and it peaked in 2021. Half of all babies named Theodore in the United Kingdom were born before 2020, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 2,904 births a year on average, against 2,205 in the five years before.
Theodore in Ireland
Theodore in France
Theodore in Belgium
Variants and related names
Sibling names for Theodore
Names from the same generation as Theodore, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Theodore? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Theodore with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Theodore side by side with the name of your choice.
Theodore in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Theodore mean?
Theodore comes from the Greek Theodoros, made of theos, "god", and doron, "gift": "gift of God".
What is the origin of the name Theodore?
Greek. The name was borne by many early saints, such as Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury in the 7th century.
Is Theodore a girl's or a boy's name?
Theodore is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Theodore?
In 2024, Theodore was the 4th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 12,011 births.
What are the variants of the name Theodore?
Variants and related names of Theodore include Teo and Theo.
What are good sibling names for Theodore?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Catalina, Alessia, Isla and Luna for a sister, Mateo, Ezra, Waylon and Luca for a brother.
Who are famous people named Theodore?
Theodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury; Theodore Roosevelt, President of the United States; Theodor Seuss Geisel (Dr. Seuss), writer; Theo James, actor.