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
Browse names →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
How popular is Theda right now?
Falling — down 2461 spots — currently #17444 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #17444 | 5 | ▼ down 2461 |
| 2020 | #14983 | 5 | ▲ up 1423 |
| 2015 | #16406 | 5 | ▼ down 4985 · -17% births |
| 1990 | #11421 | 6 | ▼ down 1002 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #10419 | 5 | ▼ down 5557 · -58% births |
| 1975 | #4862 | 12 | ▼ down 1275 · -29% births |
| 1970 | #3587 | 17 | ▼ down 1430 · -43% births |
| 1965 | #2157 | 30 | ▼ down 366 · -25% births |
| 1960 | #1791 | 40 | ▼ down 489 · -33% births |
| 1955 | #1302 | 60 | ▼ down 260 · -22% births |
| 1950 | #1042 | 77 | ▼ down 84 · +18% births |
| 1945 | #958 | 65 | ▼ down 219 · -25% births |
| 1940 | #739 | 87 | ▲ up 8 · +6% births |
| 1935 | #747 | 82 | ▼ down 70 · -20% births |
| 1930 | #677 | 103 | — |
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 →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 19 | |
| 1890s | 42 | |
| 1900s | 100 | |
| 1910s | 1,583 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,981 | |
| 1930s | 936 | |
| 1940s | 727 | |
| 1950s | 599 | |
| 1960s | 314 | |
| 1970s | 135 | |
| 1980s | 36 | |
| 1990s | 39 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 29 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎With 6,551 total births, Theda is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Theda?
ANCIENT GREEK
TheodorosTheodorus
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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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Theda?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theda also consider these
How is Theda written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Theda?
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.