"divine gift"
Origin: Greek
Language: Latin
Theodore
Pronunciation: [ th-EE-uhd-awr ]
Does Theodore flow with your last name?
Presidential gravitas with the coziest nickname
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Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"gift of God"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
"divine present"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Theodore
Theodore comes from the Greek 'Theodoros,' a combination of 'theos' (god) and 'doron' (gift) — literally 'gift of God.' The name was borne by saints, Byzantine emperors, and popes, giving it an exceptionally rich history across Eastern and Western Christianity. After centuries of use in Europe, it fell from fashion in the 20th century and is now enjoying a remarkable renaissance.
Theodore has been one of the fastest-rising boy names in the US, entering the top 10 in 2020. The adorable nicknames Theo and Teddy give it warmth, while Theodore itself carries gravitas. President Theodore Roosevelt's 'Teddy bear' story keeps it culturally alive.
Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th US President, is one of America's most iconic leaders — his association gives the name vigor, courage, and patriotism. The name also holds strong Orthodox Christian significance, honoring several Saint Theodores revered across Eastern Europe.
Historical Record
Theodore first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 189,197 babies have been named Theodore in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Theodore is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Theodore Roosevelt inspired the 'Teddy bear' after refusing to shoot a tied-up bear on a hunting trip in 1902
- Theodore entered the US top 10 in 2020 for the first time in decades
- Fyodor (Russian), Tivadar (Hungarian), and Tudor (Welsh) are all linguistic relatives of Theodore
Theodore in Other Languages
Greek
Theodoros
French
Theodore
Italian
Teodoro
Russian
Fyodor
Spanish
Teodoro
Popularity Over Time
#4
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Theodore
T
Theo Walcott
Athlete
1989
English professional footballer who played for Arsenal and England
T
Theodore Geisel
Writer
1904
American children's author known as Dr. Seuss, creator of The Cat in the Hat
T
Theodore Dreiser
Writer
1871
American naturalist novelist, author of An American Tragedy
T
Theodore Roosevelt
Politician
1858
26th President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize winner and conservationist
T
Theodore Bagwell Fictional
Other
Memorable antagonist T-Bag from the TV series Prison Break
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Compare Theodore with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #4
- Total SSA Count
- 12,011
- Cultural Origins
- English French Greek
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Popular in These States
Top states by rank · 2024
Common Nicknames
Theo
Teddy
Ted
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Theodore
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Theodore is also used as a girl name, ranked #8674.
View Theodore as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Theodore →Compare Theodore with...
Same Origin Names (English)
See all English names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Theodore
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Daniel
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Hebrew origin
"God judges"
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Nathan
Boy
Hebrew origin
"he gave, gift from God"
#62 in US
Chase
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Old French origin
"hunter"
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Charles
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Frequently Asked Questions About Theodore
What does the name Theodore mean?
"divine gift" (from Greek). "gift of God" (from Greek). "divine present" (from Greek). Theodore comes from the Greek 'Theodoros,' a combination of 'theos' (god) and 'doron' (gift) — literally 'gift of God.' The name was borne by saints, Byzantine emperors, and popes, giving it an exceptionally rich history across Eastern and Western Christianity. After centuries of use in Europe, it fell from fashion in the 20th century and is now enjoying a remarkable renaissance.
What is the origin of the name Theodore?
Theodore has Greek, English, and French origins. In Greek, it means "divine gift". In Greek, it means "gift of God". In Greek, it means "divine present".
Is Theodore a boy or girl name?
Theodore is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #4. As a girl name, it is ranked #8674. Theodore is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Theodore?
Theodore is pronounced th-EE-uhd-awr.
How popular is the name Theodore?
Theodore is currently ranked #4 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Theodore?
Common nicknames for Theodore include Theo, Teddy, and Ted.
What are good middle names for Theodore?
Popular middle name pairings include Theodore James, Theodore William, Theodore Alexander, Theodore John, Theodore Henry, Theodore Arthur, and Theodore Samuel.
What are good sibling names for Theodore?
Names that pair well with Theodore as siblings include Olivia, Charlotte, Amelia, Eleanor, Oliver, Henry, and August.
How many syllables does Theodore have?
Theodore has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Theodore a common or rare name?
Theodore is a very popular name, ranked #4 among boy names in the United States.
What boy names are similar to Theodore?
Are there other spellings for Theodore?
About the Name Theodore
Theodore is a boy name with English, French, and Greek origins . The name means "divine gift" in Greek .
Is Theodore a boy or girl name? Theodore is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #4 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #8,674. Theodore is more commonly used as a boy name.
Theodore is currently ranked #4 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Theodore has 3 syllables and is pronounced th-EE-uhd-awr, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Theodore include Theo, Teddy, and Ted. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Theodore include Theo, Theoden, Theodor, Theophilus, Theon . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis