Theda

of the people — Associated with figures like Theda Bara
Germanic origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#17444US 2021
5Births / yr
Falling
6.6kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.03% of births at peak
How to pronounce Theda
THEE·dah
/ˈθiː.ˌdɑ/ · stress on THEE · 2 syllables
of the people
Associated with figures like Theda Bara · Germanic origin

What does Theda mean and where does it come from?

Theda is primarily derived from the German name 'Theda,' which is a diminutive form of names such as Theodora. It has roots in the Greek 'Theodoros,' meaning 'gift of God.' The name has historical significance, associated with figures like Theda Bara, a famous actress in the early 20th century silen

Cultural significance
Theda has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of the people.
Peak popularity
Reached #337 in 1919 — currently #17444 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Theda?

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

Theda Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Theda Rose
Floral · soft ending
Theda Mae
Sweet · timeless
Theda Claire
French influence · crisp
Theda Jane
Literary · strong
Theda Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Theda
Browse ideas →

How popular is Theda right now?

Falling — down 2461 spots — currently #17444 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 18802021#17444 · Top 13%
1930
1935
1940
1945
1950
1955
1960
1965
1970
1975
1980
1990
2015
2020
2021
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2021#174445▼ down 2461
2020#149835▲ up 1423
2015#164065▼ down 4985 · -17% births
1990#114216▼ down 1002 · +20% births
1980#104195▼ down 5557 · -58% births
1975#486212▼ down 1275 · -29% births
1970#358717▼ down 1430 · -43% births
1965#215730▼ down 366 · -25% births
1960#179140▼ down 489 · -33% births
1955#130260▼ down 260 · -22% births
1950#104277▼ down 84 · +18% births
1945#95865▼ down 219 · -25% births
1940#73987▲ up 8 · +6% births
1935#74782▼ down 70 · -20% births
1930#677103

The story of Theda

Theda has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 6,551 total births recorded, Theda remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #935 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #17444 in 2021.

Names that peaked alongside Theda in 1919:

Theda by decade

Theda peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

DecadeBirths
1880s19
1890s42
1900s100
1910s1,583
1920s1,981
1930s936
1940s727
1950s599
1960s314
1970s135
1980s36
1990s39
2000s6
2010s29
2020s5
💎With 6,551 total births, Theda is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Theda?

ENGLISH
DorettaDorita
AMHARIC
Tewodros
ANCIENT GREEK
TheodorosTheodorus
ARMENIAN
Toros

Famous people named Theda

T(
Theda (German philosopher)
Theda used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
T(
Theda (Scandinavian royal)
Theda held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
T(
Theda (Germanic saint)
Theda spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
T(
Theda (medieval German ruler)
Theda bore this name during the Holy Roman Empire, spreading Germanic naming traditions across Europe.
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Common questions about the name Theda

What does the name Theda mean?
Theda means "of the people" — a name rooted in Germanic 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 Theda?
Theda is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Theda?
Theda originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic 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 Theda?
Theda is a two-syllable name pronounced TH IY1 D AA2. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Theda a common or rare name?
Theda is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.