What does Theora mean and where does it come from?
Theora is a variant of the name Theodora, of Greek origin, which means 'gift of God' (from the roots 'theo-' meaning god and 'doron' meaning gift). This name reflects a longstanding tradition in Christian cultures of naming children after divine gifts or blessings. Theora is not very common but has
Cultural significance
Theora has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of divine gift.
Peak popularity
Reached #1125 in 1901 — currently #12061 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Theora?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Theora?
Theora works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Theora Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Theora Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Theora Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Theora Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Theora Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Theora Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Theora right now?
Rising — up 30 spots — currently #12061 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #12061 | 8 | ▲ up 30 · +14% births |
| 2020 | #12091 | 7 | ▲ up 958 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #13049 | 5 | ▼ down 7089 |
| 1955 | #5960 | 5 | ▼ down 2484 · -50% births |
| 1950 | #3476 | 10 | ▲ up 637 · +67% births |
| 1945 | #4113 | 6 | ▼ down 1878 · -57% births |
| 1940 | #2235 | 14 | ▲ up 2083 · +180% births |
| 1935 | #4318 | 5 | ▼ down 2872 · -83% births |
| 1930 | #1446 | 29 | ▲ up 278 · +16% births |
| 1925 | #1724 | 25 | ▲ up 59 · +9% births |
| 1920 | #1783 | 23 | ▼ down 427 · -18% births |
| 1915 | #1356 | 28 | ▲ up 233 · +180% births |
| 1910 | #1589 | 10 | ▼ down 208 · +11% births |
| 1905 | #1381 | 9 | — |
The story of Theora
Theora has been a beloved American name for over 133 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1891. With 845 total births recorded, Theora remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1381 in 1905, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12091 in 2020.
Names that peaked alongside Theora in 1901:
Theora by decade
Theora peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 19 | |
| 1900s | 63 | |
| 1910s ★ | 231 | |
| 1920s | 226 | |
| 1930s | 142 | |
| 1940s | 94 | |
| 1950s | 46 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 7 | |
| 1990s | 5 | |
| 2020s | 15 | |
💎Theora has only 845 total recorded births since 1891 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Theora?
Common
TheTheorTheorieTheoryOra
What names sound and feel like Theora?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theora also consider these
Common questions about the name Theora
What does the name Theora mean?
Theora means "divine gift" — a name rooted in American 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 Theora?
Theora is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Theora?
Theora originates from American tradition. American 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 Theora?
Theora is a three-syllable name pronounced THEE-er-uh. 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 Theora?
Theora pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.