Theodore Boy

Popularity: #4 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationTHEE-uh-dor / /ˈθiːədɔːr/

Greek; English

Meaning

Greek: 'gift of God'; English: 'divine gift'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Theodore has roots in the Greek name Theodoros, which means 'gift of God'. It has been used since the early Christian era and has been borne by several saints. The name gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 19th century. It has been associated with various notable figures throughout history, contributing to its enduring appeal.

Trend Summary

The name Theodore has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, ranking among the top 100 names in recent years.

Similar Names

TheodoraTobiasNathanielSebastianMaximilianAugustusLeonardFrederick

Variants

  • Theo
  • Ted
  • Teddy

International Variants

  • Teodoro (Spanish)
  • Teodora (Italian)
  • Teodor (Bulgarian)
  • Teodorus (Latin)

Famous people named Theodore

Theodore Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States and a key figure in the Progressive Era.

Theodore Dreiser was an American novelist and journalist known for his influential works in the early 20th century.

Theodore Maiman was an American physicist who created the first working laser.

Theodore Bikel was an Austrian-American actor and folk singer known for his roles in theater and film.

Fictional characters named Theodore

Theodore 'Teddy' Ruxpin is a character from the animated television series and toy line of the same name, known for his storytelling.

Theodore 'Theo' Huxtable is a character from the television show 'The Cosby Show', known as the second eldest child in the Huxtable family.

Sibling Suggestions

AlexanderBenjaminCharlotteEleanorMargaretOliver

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Theodore was first seen in the United States in 1880. Theodore has ranked as high as #10 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Illinois, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Theodore has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Theodore (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 1,095
10%
TX 832
7%
NY 678
6%
OH 595
5%
FL 563
5%
IL 509
4%
PA 506
4%
MI 469
4%
NC 388
3%
WA 354
3%
VA 347
3%
IN 341
3%
MA 328
3%
MN 326
3%
MO 303
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880232
1881178
1882232
1883185
1884211
1885199
1886258
1887201
1888249
1889231
1890190
1891224
1892239
1893209
1894241
1895208
1896241
1897215
1898281
1899252
1900429
1901450
1902642
1903663
1904834
1905834
1906688
1907712
1908643
1909595
1910692
1911753
19121,561
19131,650
19141,929
19152,504
19162,641
19172,809
19183,143
19193,424
19203,219
19213,172
19223,216
19233,157
19243,225
19253,226
19263,129
19273,124
19282,917
19292,902
19302,958
19312,667
19322,674
19332,611
19342,523
19352,433
19362,219
19372,315
19382,361
19392,196
19402,306
19412,330
19422,665
19432,616
19442,574
19452,347
19462,612
19472,927
19482,830
19493,041
19502,960
19513,217
19523,268
19532,937
19543,073
19552,977
19562,955
19572,760
19582,503
19592,399
19602,382
19612,301
19622,316
19632,386
19642,169
19652,141
19661,905
19671,854
19681,887
19691,945
19701,829
19711,665
19721,422
19731,342
19741,268
19751,197
19761,174
19771,223
19781,212
19791,238
19801,194
19811,133
19821,191
19831,156
19841,069
19851,211
19861,257
19871,217
19881,238
19891,293
19901,231
19911,097
19921,092
19931,036
1994940
1995956
1996905
1997956
1998983
1999913
2000934
2001935
2002975
2003964
20041,005
20051,095
20061,133
20071,137
20081,139
20091,239
20101,333
20111,573
20121,945
20132,429
20143,228
20154,155
20164,910
20175,970
20187,088
20197,894
20208,637
20219,597
202210,814
202311,084
202412,011