Teddy

“gift of God” — Associated with teddy bears

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 95% boys♀ 5% girls

#996US 2023

222Births / yr

↑Rising

34kAll-time births

📅 Since 190500

How to pronounce Teddy

TED·ee

/ˈtɛd.iː/ · stress on TED · 2 syllables

“gift of God”

Associated with teddy bears · American origin

What does Teddy mean and where does it come from?

The name Teddy is often used as a diminutive of longer names such as Theodore or Theodora, with Theodore meaning 'gift of God' in Greek. Despite its origins as a masculine name, it has gained popularity as a standalone name for girls. It is also associated with teddy bears, which were named after Pr

Cultural significance

Teddy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #1054 in 1943 — currently #996 in the US.

🌿

How else can you spell Teddy?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Teddie

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Teddy?

Teddy works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Teddy Grace

How popular is Teddy right now?

Rising — up 47 spots — currently #996 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1905–2023#996 · Top 0.73%

1945

1950

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1985

1995

2005

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#996	222	▲ up 47 · +5% births
2022	#1043	212	▲ up 131 · +26% births
2021	#1174	168	▲ up 3552 · +522% births
2020	#4726	27	▲ up 6162 · +200% births
2015	#10888	9	▲ up 3687 · +50% births
2005	#14575	6	▼ down 8870 · -62% births
1995	#5705	16	▲ up 5066 · +220% births
1985	#10771	5	▼ down 5199 · -50% births
1975	#5572	10	▲ up 867 · +43% births
1970	#6439	7	▼ down 1549 · -12% births
1965	#4890	8	▼ down 1504 · -43% births
1960	#3386	14	▼ down 1092 · -39% births
1955	#2294	23	▼ down 445 · -15% births
1950	#1849	27	▼ down 668 · -40% births
1945	#1181	45	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Teddy

Best Year2023Rank #996

Peak Count222

Average Rank#4264

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1905 - 202322 years

The story of Teddy

Teddy entered American naming records in 1905 and has been in use for over 119 years. A total of 33,975 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2061 in 1905 to #996 in 2023. Teddy is used for both genders: 5% female and 95% male.

Names that peaked alongside Teddy in 1943:

Mary Barbara Patricia Linda Carol

Teddy by decade

Teddy peaked in the 1940s. See all 1940s names →

Decade	Births
1890s	18
1900s	179
1910s	1,245
1920s	3,127
1930s	4,614
1940s	5,481
1950s ★	5,635
1960s	5,379
1970s	3,067
1980s	2,005
1990s	1,302
2000s	808
2010s	956
2020s	159

What are good nicknames for Teddy?

Common

TedTe

What names sound and feel like Teddy?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Teddy also consider these

American · rich or wealthy

Teddye

American · wealthy defender

Neddy

English · Derived as a

Heddy

Germanic · Keeper of the

Dreddy

American · Derived from the

Jeddy

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Teddy written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Teddy

What does the name Teddy mean?

Teddy means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Teddy?

Teddy is currently ranked #996 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Teddy have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Teddy?

Teddy originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Teddy?

Teddy is a two-syllable name pronounced T EH1 D IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Teddy trending right now?

Teddy is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.