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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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Theodor Rose
Floral · soft ending
Theodor Mae
Sweet · timeless
Theodor Claire
French influence · crisp
Theodor Jane
Literary · strong
Theodor Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Theodor right now?
Declining — down 27 spots — currently #1863 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Theodor by decade
| 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?
What names sound and feel like Theodor?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theodor also consider these
How is Theodor written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Theodor?
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.