What does Theseus mean and where does it come from?
Theseus is a legendary hero in Greek mythology, known for his many adventures, including slaying the Minotaur and rescuing Andromeda. His tales are often associated with the founding of Athens and he is considered a symbol of courage and ingenuity. The first recorded use of these stories dates back
Cultural significance
Theseus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of to put or to place.
Peak popularity
Reached #2763 in 2015 — currently #5181 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Theseus?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Theseus?
Theseus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Theseus Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Theseus John
One syllable · timeless choice
Theseus Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Theseus Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Theseus Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Theseus Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Theseus right now?
Falling — down 1403 spots — currently #5181 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5181 | 19 | ▼ down 1403 · -37% births |
| 2024 | #3778 | 30 | ▲ up 547 · +20% births |
| 2023 | #4325 | 25 | ▲ up 93 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #4418 | 24 | ▼ down 931 · -27% births |
| 2021 | #3487 | 33 | ▲ up 1003 · +50% births |
| 2020 | #4490 | 22 | ▼ down 1727 · -50% births |
| 2015 | #2763 | 44 | ▲ up 11446 · +780% births |
| 2010 | #14209 | 5 | — |
The story of Theseus
Theseus is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 2010. With 310 total births recorded, Theseus remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #14209 in 2010 to #4325 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Theseus in 2015:
💎Theseus has only 310 total recorded births since 2010 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Theseus?
Common
TheThesThesieThesyEseus
What names sound and feel like Theseus?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Theseus also consider these
How is Theseus written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Theseus
What does the name Theseus mean?
Theseus means "to put or to place" — 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 Theseus?
Theseus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Theseus?
Theseus 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 Theseus?
Theseus is a three-syllable name pronounced THEE-zee-us. 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 Theseus?
Theseus 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.