Thecla

“glory of God”

Greece origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#785US 2023

1.4kBirths / yr

→Stable

281All-time births

📅 Since 188800

How to pronounce Thecla

THEKL·ah

/ˈθɛkl.ˌɑ/ · stress on THEKL · 2 syllables

“glory of God”

Greece origin · Girl name

What does Thecla mean and where does it come from?

Thecla is derived from the Greek name 'Θέκλα' (Thekla), which means 'glory of God.' The name became popular in early Christian times due to the story of Saint Thecla, who is considered a martyr. Saint Thecla's story is told in the apocryphal Acts of Paul and Thecla, which portrays her as a follower

Cultural significance

Thecla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of glory of god.

Peak popularity

Reached #1386 in 1895 — currently #785 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Thecla?

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

Thecla Grace

How popular is Thecla right now?

Holding steady — currently #785 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1895–2023#785 · Top 0.58%

1895

1900

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1955

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#785	1,415	▲ up 5 · +1% births
2022	#790	1,395	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021	#795	1,365	▲ up 5146 · +27200% births
1955	#5941	5	▼ down 1631
1935	#4310	5	▼ down 1407 · -50% births
1930	#2903	10	▲ up 1194 · +43% births
1925	#4097	7	▼ down 947 · -30% births
1920	#3150	10	▼ down 408
1915	#2742	10	▼ down 716 · +100% births
1900	#2026	5	▼ down 640 · -29% births
1895	#1386	7	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Thecla

Best Year2023Rank #785

Peak Count1,415

Average Rank#2754

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1900 - 202310 years

The story of Thecla

Thecla has been a beloved American name for over 136 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1888. With 281 total births recorded, Thecla remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1386 in 1895 to #785 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Thecla in 1895:

Mary Anna Helen Margaret Elizabeth

Thecla by decade

Thecla peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	5
1890s	19
1900s	27
1910s ★	96
1920s	64
1930s	31
1940s	5
1950s	23
1960s	6
1980s	5

💎Thecla has only 281 total recorded births since 1888 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Thecla?

Common

TheThieThyEcla

What names sound and feel like Thecla?

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

Thella

American · clover; a flower

Theckla

Greek · Theckla is believed

How is Thecla written in other languages?

Θεκλα

Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Thecla

What does the name Thecla mean?

Thecla means "glory of God" — a name rooted in Greece 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 Thecla?

Thecla is currently ranked #785 as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Thecla?

Thecla originates from Greece tradition. Greece 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 Thecla?

Thecla is a two-syllable name pronounced TH EH1 K L AA2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What are good nicknames for Thecla?

Thecla naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.