What does Theophil mean and where does it come from?
Theophil is derived from the Greek name Theophilos (Θεόφιλος). It has been used since early Christian times and carries connotations of favor and benevolence from God. The name appears in various religious texts, and notable figures with this name include Theophilus of Antioch, an early Christian wr
Cultural significance
Theophil has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god's friend.
Peak popularity
Reached #1597 in 1915 — currently #11847 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Theophil?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Theophil?
Theophil works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Theophil Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Theophil John
One syllable · timeless choice
Theophil Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Theophil Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Theophil Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Theophil Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Theophil right now?
Rising fast — up 2122 spots — currently #11847 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #11847 | 6 | ▲ up 2122 · +20% births |
| 2023 | #13969 | 5 | ▼ down 9822 |
| 1930 | #4147 | 5 | ▼ down 896 · -37% births |
| 1925 | #3251 | 8 | ▼ down 1050 · -47% births |
| 1920 | #2201 | 15 | ▼ down 604 · -25% births |
| 1915 | #1597 | 20 | — |
The story of Theophil
Theophil entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 197 total births recorded, Theophil remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1597 in 1915, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13969 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Theophil in 1915:
Theophil by decade
Theophil peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s ★ | 101 | |
| 1920s | 86 | |
| 1930s | 10 | |
| 2020s | 6 | |
💎Theophil has only 197 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Theophil?
What names sound and feel like Theophil?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theophil also consider these
How is Theophil written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Theophil?
Common questions about the name Theophil
What does the name Theophil mean?
Theophil means "God's friend" — 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 Theophil?
Theophil is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Theophil?
Theophil 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 Theophil?
Theophil is a three-syllable name pronounced THEE-oh-FIL. 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 Theophil?
Theophil 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.