What does Theodora mean and where does it come from?
Theodora (Θεοδώρα) is a female name of Greek origin, meaning 'gift of God'. This name has been borne by several historical figures, including Theodora, the wife of Justinian I, who was a powerful empress in the Byzantine Empire. The name has appeared in various variations across cultures and has bee
Cultural significance
Theodora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gift of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #505 in 1908 — currently #726 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Theodora?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Theodora?
Theodora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Theodora Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Theodora Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Theodora Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Theodora Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Theodora Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Theodora Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Theodora right now?
Rising fast — up 85 spots — currently #726 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #726 | 384 | ▲ up 85 · +11% births |
| 2024 | #811 | 346 | ▼ down 146 · -77% births |
| 2023 | #665 | 1,535 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #670 | 1,515 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #675 | 1,485 | ▲ up 153 · +357% births |
| 2020 | #828 | 325 | ▲ up 1465 · +301% births |
| 2015 | #2293 | 81 | ▲ up 1114 · +72% births |
| 2010 | #3407 | 47 | ▲ up 180 · +15% births |
| 2005 | #3587 | 41 | ▼ down 467 · -7% births |
| 2000 | #3120 | 44 | ▼ down 727 · -19% births |
| 1995 | #2393 | 54 | ▲ up 508 · +38% births |
| 1990 | #2901 | 39 | ▼ down 762 · -20% births |
| 1985 | #2139 | 49 | ▲ up 207 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #2346 | 41 | ▼ down 412 · -11% births |
| 1975 | #1934 | 46 | — |
The story of Theodora
Theodora has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 10,784 babies have received this name. Theodora is used for both genders: 100% female and 0% male.
Names that peaked alongside Theodora in 1908:
Theodora by decade
Theodora peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 107 | |
| 1890s | 220 | |
| 1900s | 342 | |
| 1910s | 1,004 | |
| 1920s ★ | 1,618 | |
| 1930s | 1,111 | |
| 1940s | 1,411 | |
| 1950s | 1,047 | |
| 1960s | 715 | |
| 1970s | 432 | |
| 1980s | 428 | |
| 1990s | 457 | |
| 2000s | 447 | |
| 2010s | 1,120 | |
| 2020s | 1,055 | |
What are good nicknames for Theodora?
ENGLISH
DoraDoreanDoreenDorettaDorindaDorineDorita
What names sound and feel like Theodora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theodora also consider these
How is Theodora written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Theodora?
Common questions about the name Theodora
What does the name Theodora mean?
Theodora 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 Theodora?
Theodora is currently ranked #665 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Theodora?
Theodora 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 Theodora?
Theodora is a four-syllable name pronounced thee-ud-AW-ruh. 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 Theodora?
Theodora 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.