Theodor

“gift of God”

Greece origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1863US 2023

86Births / yr

↓Falling

1.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 188400

How to pronounce Theodor

THEE·ud·er

/ˈθiː.əd.ɝ/ · stress on THEE · 3 syllables

“gift of God”

Greece origin · Boy name

What does Theodor mean and where does it come from?

Theodor is derived from the Greek name Θεόδωρος (Theódoros), which combines 'theos' (θεός) meaning 'God' and 'doron' (δῶρον) meaning 'gift'. The name has been used since the early days of Christianity and has variants across multiple languages including Theodore in English. It became popular in the

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #1038 in 1887 — currently #1863 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Theodor?

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

Theodor Grace

How popular is Theodor right now?

Declining — down 27 spots — currently #1863 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#1863 · Top 1.4%

1960

1965

1970

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1863	86	▼ down 27 · -2% births
2022	#1836	88	▲ up 258 · +26% births
2021	#2094	70	▼ down 220 · -10% births
2020	#1874	78	▲ up 512 · +44% births
2015	#2386	54	▲ up 1512 · +108% births
2010	#3898	26	▲ up 171 · +18% births
2005	#4069	22	▲ up 1 · +16% births
2000	#4070	19	▼ down 198 · +19% births
1995	#3872	16	▲ up 548 · +33% births
1990	#4420	12	▼ down 589 · +9% births
1985	#3831	11	▼ down 186
1980	#3645	11	▼ down 881 · -8% births
1970	#2764	12	▼ down 264 · +9% births
1965	#2500	11	▼ down 356 · -27% births
1960	#2144	15	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Theodor

Best Year2022Rank #1836

Peak Count88

Average Rank#2779

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202324 years

The story of Theodor

Theodor has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 1,821 total births recorded, Theodor remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1914 in 1915 to #1863 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Theodor in 1887:

John William James George Charles

Theodor by decade

Theodor peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	10
1890s	6
1910s	110
1920s	139
1930s	120
1940s	113
1950s	139
1960s	123
1970s	79
1980s	99
1990s	127
2000s	188
2010s ★	490
2020s	78

💎With 1,821 total births, Theodor is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Theodor?

CROATIAN

Teo

DUTCH

Theo

ENGLISH

TedTeddyTheo

FINNISH

Teuvo

What names sound and feel like Theodor?

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

Theador

Greek · Derived from Θεόδωρος

Theodore

Greece · Theodōros (Θεόδωρος), meaning

Russia · Gift of God.

Eleodor

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Isador

Greece · Gift of Isis

Thomas

Greece · Twin

How is Theodor written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Theodor

What does the name Theodor mean?

Theodor means "gift 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 Theodor?

Theodor is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Theodor?

Theodor 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 Theodor?

Theodor is a three-syllable name pronounced TH IY1 AH0 D ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Theodor?

Theodor pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.