What does Theodore mean and where does it come from?
Theodore comes from the Greek name Theodōros (Θεόδωρος), which translates to 'gift of God'. Historically, Theodore has been used in various cultures, often with notable figures in history, such as Roman emperors and saints. While traditionally a male name, Theodore has been adopted for females in mo
Cultural significance
Theodore has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of theodōros (θεόδωρος), meaning 'gift of god'..
Peak popularity
Reached #23 in 2020 — currently #7 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Theodore?
Theodore works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Theodore Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Theodore Rose
Floral · soft ending
Theodore Mae
Sweet · timeless
Theodore Claire
French influence · crisp
Theodore Jane
Literary · strong
Theodore Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Theodore right now?
Holding steady — currently #7 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #7 | 11,084 | ▲ up 3 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #10 | 10,814 | stable · +13% births |
| 2021 | #10 | 9,597 | ▲ up 13 · +12% births |
| 2020 | #23 | 8,558 | ▲ up 76 · +106% births |
| 2015 | #99 | 4,149 | ▲ up 160 · +211% births |
| 2010 | #259 | 1,332 | ▲ up 40 · +22% births |
| 2005 | #299 | 1,095 | ▲ up 13 · +17% births |
| 2000 | #312 | 934 | ▼ down 28 · -2% births |
| 1995 | #284 | 956 | ▼ down 51 · -22% births |
| 1990 | #233 | 1,231 | ▼ down 33 · +2% births |
| 1985 | #200 | 1,211 | ▲ up 4 · +1% births |
| 1980 | #204 | 1,197 | ▼ down 15 |
| 1975 | #189 | 1,200 | ▼ down 29 · -34% births |
| 1970 | #160 | 1,830 | ▼ down 17 · -15% births |
| 1965 | #143 | 2,142 | — |
The story of Theodore
Theodore has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #23 in 2020. More than 260,947 babies have been named Theodore since 1880. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #70 in 1880 to #7 in 2023. Theodore is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Theodore in 2020:
Theodore by decade
Theodore peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 2,176 | |
| 1890s | 2,300 | |
| 1900s | 6,519 | |
| 1910s | 21,204 | |
| 1920s | 31,469 | |
| 1930s | 25,087 | |
| 1940s | 26,312 | |
| 1950s | 29,133 | |
| 1960s | 21,395 | |
| 1970s | 13,670 | |
| 1980s | 12,052 | |
| 1990s | 10,098 | |
| 2000s | 10,554 | |
| 2010s ★ | 40,408 | |
| 2020s | 8,570 | |
What are good nicknames for Theodore?
Famous people named Theodore
TR
Theodore Roosevelt
26th President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and the namesake of the teddy bear
TD
Theodore Dreiser
American novelist of the naturalist school known for Sister Carrie and An American Tragedy
Tv
Theo van Gogh
Devoted brother and supporter of painter Vincent van Gogh, whose art dealer work helped preserve his legacy
TK
Theodore Kaczynski
Historical figure known as the Unabomber, a cautionary name in modern American history
Aa
Alvin and the Chipmunks Theodore
The sweet, food-loving chipmunk whose name helped generations of children learn to love Theodore
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Theodore?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theodore also consider these
How is Theodore written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Theodore?
Common questions about the name Theodore
What does the name Theodore mean?
Theodore means "Theodōros (Θεόδωρος), meaning '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 Theodore?
Theodore is currently ranked #7 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Theodore have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Theodore?
Theodore 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 Theodore?
Theodore is a three-syllable name pronounced TH IY1 AH0 D AO2 R. 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 Theodore?
Theodore 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.