Theodore
Theodore is a boy name of Greek origin meaning “Gift of God”, pronounced THEE-uh-dor. It ranked #4 in the United States in 2025, given to 13,355 babies, and peaked at #4 in 2024. Common nicknames: Theo, Ted, Teddy.
How popular is Theodore 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 Theodore mean, and where does it come from?
Theodore derives from the Greek name Theodoros, composed of "theos" (god) and "doron" (gift), literally meaning "gift of God." The name was popular among early Christians and was borne by several saints, including Theodore of Amasea, a Roman soldier martyred for his faith. It was also the name of two Byzantine emperors. In the United States, the name is strongly associated with President Theodore Roosevelt, whose nickname "Teddy" became the inspiration for the teddy bear. Theodore has experienced a remarkable revival in the 21st century, climbing into the top 10 in many English-speaking countries.
How is Theodore used around the world?
Theodore is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 15+ international variants.
Female FormTheodora
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Theodore?
Famous People Named Theodore
- Theodore Roosevelt — 26th President of the United States
- Theodor Seuss Geisel — American author known as Dr. Seuss
- Theodore Dreiser — American novelist and journalist
Similar Names to Theodore
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Sibling Name Ideas for Theodore
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Theodore mean?
Theodore is a boy name of Greek origin meaning "Gift of God." Theodore derives from the Greek name Theodoros, composed of "theos" (god) and "doron" (gift), literally meaning "gift of God." The name was popular among early Christians and was borne by several saints, including Theodore of Amasea, a Roman soldier martyred for his faith.
How do you pronounce Theodore?
Theodore is pronounced THEE-uh-dor. Common variations include Theodor, Teodoro, Fyodor.
Is Theodore a boy name?
Yes, Theodore is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Theo, Ted, Teddy.