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Ted Boy

Popularity: #881 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

Pronunciationted / tɛd

English; German

Meaning

English: Gift of God; German: Brave people

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Ted is derived from the Old English name "Þeodoric," which itself originates from the Proto-Germanic elements "þeud," meaning "people," and "ric," meaning "ruler" or "power." This name evolved through various linguistic stages, including Old High German as "Theodoric" and Latin as "Theodoricus," before being shortened to Ted in English. The transition into English occurred during the medieval period, as names were often adapted and simplified for ease of use in everyday language.

Historically, the name Ted has been associated with several notable figures, most prominently Saint Theodore of Amasea, a Christian martyr from the 4th century, who was venerated in both the Eastern and Western Christian traditions. The name gained further prominence through the medieval period, particularly with the popularity of the name Theodoric among various European monarchs, including Theodoric the Great, the king of the Ostrogoths in the 5th century, who played a significant role in the history of Italy and the Roman Empire.

Culturally, the name Ted has been linked to themes of leadership and nobility due to its etymological roots. It has often been used in literature and folklore to symbolize strength and authority. The diminutive form Ted is commonly associated with Theodore, which has also been a popular name in various cultures, further enhancing the name's historical resonance. The enduring legacy of Ted reflects a blend of historical significance and cultural symbolism, making it a name with deep roots in European history.

Trend Summary

Ted has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a notable decline since the mid-20th century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Teddy
  • Theodore

International Variants

  • Teodoro (Spanish)
  • Théodore (French)

Famous people named Ted

Ted Danson is an actor best known for Cheers, Becker, and The Good Place.

Ted Williams is a former professional baseball player best known for his time with the Boston Red Sox and being a two-time MVP.

Ted Kaczynski is a former mathematics professor best known for being the Unabomber.

Ted Nugent is a musician best known for his work with the band Amboy Dukes and his solo career, particularly the song Cat Scratch Fever.

Ted Lasso is a fictional character best known as the titular character in the television series Ted Lasso.

Fictional characters named Ted

Ted is a fictional character from the film Ted. He is a talking teddy bear who comes to life and is known for his crude humor and wild antics.

Ted Lasso is a fictional character from the TV series Ted Lasso. He is an American football coach hired to manage a struggling English soccer team, bringing optimism and kindness to his players.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Ted was first seen in the United States in 1880. Ted has ranked as high as #361 nationally, which occurred in 1958, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Illinois, Michigan, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Ted has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Ted (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 7
50%
TX 7
50%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188013
18817
188214
188313
188410
188510
188610
188720
188821
188925
189020
189122
189215
189312
189423
189524
189630
189728
189839
189934
190075
190164
190287
190371
190494
1905115
190689
1907112
1908113
1909122
1910127
191197
1912244
1913247
1914309
1915403
1916453
1917498
1918564
1919572
1920545
1921614
1922606
1923592
1924610
1925670
1926764
1927762
1928826
1929853
1930983
1931983
19321,067
19331,040
19341,052
19351,085
19361,064
19371,062
19381,111
19391,079
19401,047
19411,096
19421,252
19431,236
19441,166
19451,238
19461,490
19471,647
19481,476
19491,379
19501,355
19511,387
19521,413
19531,304
19541,343
19551,409
19561,457
19571,636
19581,743
19591,672
19601,695
19611,682
19621,702
19631,578
19641,507
19651,243
19661,074
1967953
19681,047
19691,058
1970944
1971802
1972665
1973543
1974478
1975455
1976432
1977417
1978361
1979354
1980364
1981339
1982317
1983299
1984288
1985266
1986298
1987282
1988290
1989269
1990249
1991177
1992188
1993179
1994163
1995150
1996135
1997127
1998106
1999112
200097
200199
200299
200374
200472
200575
200659
200761
200875
200953
201081
201166
201267
201373
201459
201548
201656
201756
201849
201955
202035
202138
202241
202343
202443