What does Theophilus mean and where does it come from?
Theophilus is of Greek origin, derived from 'theos' meaning 'God' and 'philos' meaning 'loving'. The name is noted in the New Testament as a person to whom the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles were addressed. Historically, several early Christian saints bore this name, and it has been use
Cultural significance
Theophilus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of lover of god.
Peak popularity
Reached #1014 in 1901 — currently #2270 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Theophilus?
Theophilus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Theophilus Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Theophilus Rose
Floral · soft ending
Theophilus Mae
Sweet · timeless
Theophilus Claire
French influence · crisp
Theophilus Jane
Literary · strong
Theophilus Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Theophilus right now?
Falling — down 105 spots — currently #2270 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2270 | 63 | ▼ down 105 · -7% births |
| 2022 | #2165 | 68 | ▲ up 690 · +55% births |
| 2021 | #2855 | 44 | ▲ up 14 · +7% births |
| 2020 | #2869 | 41 | ▲ up 424 · +21% births |
| 2015 | #3293 | 34 | ▲ up 2191 · +113% births |
| 2010 | #5484 | 16 | ▼ down 1660 · -33% births |
| 2005 | #3824 | 24 | ▼ down 53 · +14% births |
| 2000 | #3771 | 21 | ▲ up 1754 · +110% births |
| 1995 | #5525 | 10 | ▼ down 2047 · -41% births |
| 1990 | #3478 | 17 | ▼ down 60 · +31% births |
| 1985 | #3418 | 13 | ▼ down 568 · -19% births |
| 1980 | #2850 | 16 | ▼ down 772 · -27% births |
| 1975 | #2078 | 22 | ▲ up 847 · +100% births |
| 1970 | #2925 | 11 | ▼ down 1056 · -39% births |
| 1965 | #1869 | 18 | — |
The story of Theophilus
Theophilus has been a beloved American name for over 142 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1882. With 2,147 total births recorded, Theophilus remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1040 in 1885, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2270 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Theophilus in 1901:
Theophilus by decade
Theophilus peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 20 | |
| 1900s | 25 | |
| 1910s | 156 | |
| 1920s | 191 | |
| 1930s | 135 | |
| 1940s | 152 | |
| 1950s | 214 | |
| 1960s | 146 | |
| 1970s | 174 | |
| 1980s | 157 | |
| 1990s | 173 | |
| 2000s | 204 | |
| 2010s ★ | 359 | |
| 2020s | 41 | |
💎With 2,147 total births, Theophilus is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Theophilus?
Famous people named Theophilus
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Theophilus (modern Greek athlete)
Theophilus brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
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Theophilus (Greek mythological figure)
Theophilus carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
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Theophilus (ancient philosopher)
Theophilus bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
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Theophilus (Greek mythological figure)
Theophilus carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Theophilus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theophilus also consider these
How is Theophilus written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Theophilus?
Common questions about the name Theophilus
What does the name Theophilus mean?
Theophilus means "lover of God" — a name rooted in Greek 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 Theophilus?
Theophilus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Theophilus have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Theophilus?
Theophilus originates from Greek tradition. Greek 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 Theophilus?
Theophilus is a four-syllable name pronounced TH IY1 OW0 F IH1 L AH1 S. 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 Theophilus?
Theophilus pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.