Theodora
Theodora is a girl name of Greek origin meaning “Gift of God”, pronounced thee-oh-DOR-ah. It ranked #726 in the United States in 2025, given to 384 babies, and peaked at #506 in 1908. Common nicknames: Thea, Dora, Teddy.
How popular is Theodora in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Theodora mean, and where does it come from?
Theodora is the feminine of Theodore — theos and doron, "gift of God." Its greatest bearer began as an actress in the Constantinople hippodrome and became empress: Justinian's Theodora reformed the laws on divorce and the treatment of women, and talked the court out of fleeing during the Nika riots with a line about purple making a fine shroud. American records hold the name since 1880, and it is rising again now with Theodore, Eleanora and the long -ora endings.
How is Theodora used around the world?
Theodora is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 7+ international variants.
Male FormTheodore
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Theodora?
Famous People Named Theodora
- Theodora — Byzantine empress and co-ruler with Justinian I
- Princess Theodora of Greece and Denmark — sister of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh
- Theodora of Trebizond — empress regnant of Trebizond
Similar Names to Theodora
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Sibling Name Ideas for Theodora
Looking for names that pair well with Theodora? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Theodora mean?
Theodora is a girl name of Greek origin meaning "Gift of God." Theodora is the feminine of Theodore — theos and doron, "gift of God." Its greatest bearer began as an actress in the Constantinople hippodrome and became empress: Justinian's Theodora reformed the laws on divorce and the treatment of women, and talked the court out of fleeing during the Nika riots with a line about purple making a fine shroud.
How do you pronounce Theodora?
Theodora is pronounced thee-oh-DOR-ah. Common variations include Theodore, Teodora, Feodora.
Is Theodora a girl name?
Yes, Theodora is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Thea, Dora, Teddy.