What does Theophile mean and where does it come from?
Theophile derives from the Greek word 'theophilos', which translates to 'friend of God'. This name has historical significance in both Church and secular contexts, reflecting a deep spiritual meaning. In France, it has been used since the medieval period, and several notable saints have held this na
Cultural significance
Theophile has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in France-speaking communities, where it reflects values of greek.
Peak popularity
Reached #791 in 1887 — currently #13847 in the US.
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Related Reading
France-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Theophile?
Theophile works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Theophile Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Theophile Rose
Floral · soft ending
Theophile Mae
Sweet · timeless
Theophile Claire
French influence · crisp
Theophile Jane
Literary · strong
Theophile Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Theophile right now?
Falling — down 3121 spots — currently #13847 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2020 | #11933 | 5 | ▼ down 3121 · -37% births |
| 2010 | #8812 | 8 | ▼ down 5497 · +14% births |
| 1930 | #3315 | 7 | ▲ up 114 |
| 1925 | #3429 | 7 | ▲ up 412 · +17% births |
| 1920 | #3841 | 6 | ▼ down 987 · -25% births |
| 1915 | #2854 | 8 | ▼ down 1964 · +33% births |
| 1885 | #890 | 6 | ▲ up 156 · +20% births |
| 1880 | #1046 | 5 | — |
The story of Theophile
Theophile has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 221 total births recorded, Theophile remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1046 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11933 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Theophile in 1887:
Theophile by decade
Theophile peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 29 | |
| 1890s | 13 | |
| 1910s | 55 | |
| 1920s ★ | 73 | |
| 1930s | 26 | |
| 1990s | 6 | |
| 2000s | 6 | |
| 2010s | 8 | |
| 2020s | 5 | |
💎Theophile has only 221 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Theophile?
Common
TheTheoTheieTheyIle
What names sound and feel like Theophile?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theophile also consider these
Common questions about the name Theophile
What does the name Theophile mean?
Theophile means "Greek" — a name rooted in France 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 Theophile?
Theophile 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 Theophile?
Theophile originates from France tradition. France 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 Theophile?
Theophile is a four-syllable name pronounced TH IY1 OW0 F AY1 L AH0. 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 Theophile?
Theophile pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar France heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.