What does Thekla mean and where does it come from?
Thekla is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name 'Theokleros', which means 'glory of God'. It has been historically significant due to the early Christian figure Saint Thecla, known for her unwavering faith. The name gained popularity in various European countries, including Greece, Germany,
Cultural significance
Thekla has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of glory of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #753 in 1890 — currently #15082 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Thekla?
Thekla works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Thekla Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Thekla Rose
Floral · soft ending
Thekla Mae
Sweet · timeless
Thekla Claire
French influence · crisp
Thekla Jane
Literary · strong
Thekla Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Thekla right now?
Falling — down 12365 spots — currently #15082 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2021 | #15082 | 6 | ▼ down 12365 · -40% births |
| 1915 | #2717 | 10 | ▼ down 529 · +67% births |
| 1910 | #2188 | 6 | ▼ down 201 · +20% births |
| 1905 | #1987 | 5 | ▼ down 635 · -44% births |
| 1900 | #1352 | 9 | ▼ down 188 |
| 1895 | #1164 | 9 | ▼ down 411 · -36% births |
| 1890 | #753 | 14 | — |
The story of Thekla
Thekla has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 290 total births recorded, Thekla remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #753 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #15082 in 2021.
Names that peaked alongside Thekla in 1890:
Thekla by decade
Thekla peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 43 | |
| 1890s ★ | 79 | |
| 1900s | 70 | |
| 1910s | 74 | |
| 1920s | 13 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 6 | |
💎Thekla has only 290 total recorded births since 1882 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Thekla?
What names sound and feel like Thekla?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Thekla also consider these
How is Thekla written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Thekla
What does the name Thekla mean?
Thekla 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 Thekla?
Thekla is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Thekla?
Thekla 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 Thekla?
Thekla is a two-syllable name pronounced TH EH1 K L AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Thekla a common or rare name?
Thekla is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.