Ted Boy
Origin(s)
Pronunciationted / tɛdEnglish; 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)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
CA | 7 | |
TX | 7 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 13 |
1881 | 7 |
1882 | 14 |
1883 | 13 |
1884 | 10 |
1885 | 10 |
1886 | 10 |
1887 | 20 |
1888 | 21 |
1889 | 25 |
1890 | 20 |
1891 | 22 |
1892 | 15 |
1893 | 12 |
1894 | 23 |
1895 | 24 |
1896 | 30 |
1897 | 28 |
1898 | 39 |
1899 | 34 |
1900 | 75 |
1901 | 64 |
1902 | 87 |
1903 | 71 |
1904 | 94 |
1905 | 115 |
1906 | 89 |
1907 | 112 |
1908 | 113 |
1909 | 122 |
1910 | 127 |
1911 | 97 |
1912 | 244 |
1913 | 247 |
1914 | 309 |
1915 | 403 |
1916 | 453 |
1917 | 498 |
1918 | 564 |
1919 | 572 |
1920 | 545 |
1921 | 614 |
1922 | 606 |
1923 | 592 |
1924 | 610 |
1925 | 670 |
1926 | 764 |
1927 | 762 |
1928 | 826 |
1929 | 853 |
1930 | 983 |
1931 | 983 |
1932 | 1,067 |
1933 | 1,040 |
1934 | 1,052 |
1935 | 1,085 |
1936 | 1,064 |
1937 | 1,062 |
1938 | 1,111 |
1939 | 1,079 |
1940 | 1,047 |
1941 | 1,096 |
1942 | 1,252 |
1943 | 1,236 |
1944 | 1,166 |
1945 | 1,238 |
1946 | 1,490 |
1947 | 1,647 |
1948 | 1,476 |
1949 | 1,379 |
1950 | 1,355 |
1951 | 1,387 |
1952 | 1,413 |
1953 | 1,304 |
1954 | 1,343 |
1955 | 1,409 |
1956 | 1,457 |
1957 | 1,636 |
1958 | 1,743 |
1959 | 1,672 |
1960 | 1,695 |
1961 | 1,682 |
1962 | 1,702 |
1963 | 1,578 |
1964 | 1,507 |
1965 | 1,243 |
1966 | 1,074 |
1967 | 953 |
1968 | 1,047 |
1969 | 1,058 |
1970 | 944 |
1971 | 802 |
1972 | 665 |
1973 | 543 |
1974 | 478 |
1975 | 455 |
1976 | 432 |
1977 | 417 |
1978 | 361 |
1979 | 354 |
1980 | 364 |
1981 | 339 |
1982 | 317 |
1983 | 299 |
1984 | 288 |
1985 | 266 |
1986 | 298 |
1987 | 282 |
1988 | 290 |
1989 | 269 |
1990 | 249 |
1991 | 177 |
1992 | 188 |
1993 | 179 |
1994 | 163 |
1995 | 150 |
1996 | 135 |
1997 | 127 |
1998 | 106 |
1999 | 112 |
2000 | 97 |
2001 | 99 |
2002 | 99 |
2003 | 74 |
2004 | 72 |
2005 | 75 |
2006 | 59 |
2007 | 61 |
2008 | 75 |
2009 | 53 |
2010 | 81 |
2011 | 66 |
2012 | 67 |
2013 | 73 |
2014 | 59 |
2015 | 48 |
2016 | 56 |
2017 | 56 |
2018 | 49 |
2019 | 55 |
2020 | 35 |
2021 | 38 |
2022 | 41 |
2023 | 43 |
2024 | 43 |