Teodora Girl

Popularity: #928 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: teh-OR-dah /te.oˈðo.ɾa/

Origin: Greek; Spanish; Italian; Slavic

Meaning: Greek: 'gift of God'; Spanish: 'theos' (God); Italian: 'theodora' (gift)

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Teodora has its roots in the Greek name Theodora, which is derived from the elements "theos," meaning "god," and "doron," meaning "gift." This etymology conveys the literal meaning of "gift of God." The name was adopted into Latin as Theodora and subsequently made its way into various languages, including Old French and eventually English, where it has been used since the medieval period. The transition into English was facilitated by the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, which brought many Latin and Greek names into the English lexicon.

Historically, the name Teodora has been borne by several notable figures. One of the most prominent was Empress Theodora of Byzantium, who lived in the 6th century and was the wife of Emperor Justinian I.

She is remembered for her intelligence, political acumen, and significant influence on her husband's reign. The name has also appeared in various religious contexts, with saints bearing the name, including Saint Theodora of Alexandria, who is celebrated in the Christian tradition.

The name's presence in hagiographies and ecclesiastical texts contributed to its enduring legacy throughout the Middle Ages. Culturally, Teodora has been associated with themes of divine favor and grace, reflecting its meaning as a "gift from God." This association has made the name appealing in various Christian communities, where names that signify divine blessings are often favored.

The diminutive form, Dora, has also been used historically, further embedding the name within cultural narratives. Overall, Teodora's etymological roots, historical significance, and cultural resonance have contributed to its lasting presence in various cultures.

Famous people named Teodora

In this section, you will find notable people named Teodora. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Teodora who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Teodora who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Teodora of Bulgaria was a Byzantine Empress best known for her marriage to Emperor John II Komnenos and her influence in the Byzantine court.

Teodora Vasilescu is a Romanian artist best known for her contemporary paintings and exhibitions in Europe.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Teodora, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

TheodoraDoraTessaTaliaThaliaTiana

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Teodora. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

TheaTessaTildaTaliaTamaraTatianaTania

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Teodora was first seen in the United States in 1893.

Teodora has ranked as high as #2786 nationally, which occurred in 1933, and has been most popular in Texas, California, New York, and Illinois.

In the past 5 years the name Teodora has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Teodora is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Teodora was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Teodora.

Year Total Births Girl
2025 20 20
2024 22 22
2023 18 18
2022 17 17
2021 21 21
2020 22 22
2019 14 14
2018 18 18
2017 11 11
2016 23 23
2015 10 10
2014 10 10
2013 16 16
2012 12 12
2011 17 17
2010 15 15
2009 14 14
2008 19 19
2007 16 16
2006 19 19
2005 20 20
2004 17 17
2003 14 14
2001 11 11
2000 12 12
1999 8 8
1998 9 9
1997 10 10
1996 5 5
1995 9 9
1994 6 6
1993 9 9
1992 8 8
1991 10 10
1990 5 5
1988 5 5
1987 9 9
1986 8 8
1985 8 8
1984 5 5
1983 9 9
1982 5 5
1981 7 7
1980 12 12
1979 6 6
1978 8 8
1977 12 12
1976 5 5
1975 7 7
1974 6 6
1972 9 9
1971 5 5
1969 8 8
1968 7 7
1966 7 7
1965 6 6
1963 5 5
1959 10 10
1958 10 10
1956 6 6
1955 8 8
1953 11 11
1952 5 5
1951 8 8
1950 6 6
1949 15 15
1948 11 11
1947 10 10
1946 12 12
1945 8 8
1944 13 13
1943 11 11
1942 8 8
1941 12 12
1940 16 16
1939 15 15
1938 12 12
1937 14 14
1936 11 11
1935 9 9
1934 15 15
1933 23 23
1932 12 12
1931 21 21
1930 12 12
1929 21 21
1928 22 22
1927 18 18
1926 17 17
1925 22 22
1924 18 18
1923 19 19
1922 15 15
1921 23 23
1920 15 15
1919 17 17
1918 14 14
1917 20 20
1916 11 11
1915 10 10
1914 11 11
1913 7 7
1912 9 9
1911 5 5
1910 10 10
1909 10 10
1907 10 10
1905 5 5
1901 6 6
1899 7 7
1896 6 6
1893 5 5

Top States for Teodora (2021)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
NY 6
100%