Boy · 772nd of 7,545
Theadore
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
4,000
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1927
Peak Popularity Year
91
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Theadore stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Theodore is a name of Greek origin that means 'gift of God'. It has evolved through various languages, maintaining its core meaning. The name is associated with nobility and wisdom and has gained popularity since the early centuries due to its connection with saints. There is no specific biblical relevance. Notable people with this name include several influential figures in politics and literature.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈθiːədɔr/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Theodore is derived from the Greek name 'Theodoros', which means 'gift of God'. It is composed of the elements 'theos' meaning 'God' and 'doron' meaning 'gift'.
Meaning
gift of God
Language Evolution
Theodoros (Greek), Theodorus (Latin), Teodor (Old Church Slavonic), Theodor (Old French), Theodore (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Theodore gained popularity in the Christian world during the early centuries, especially due to the veneration of several saints named Theodore. It became more common in English-speaking countries during the 19th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Theo, Ted, Teddy, Thea
Modern Popularity & Image
In contemporary society, the name Theodore is often perceived as classic and timeless, associated with wisdom and nobility.
Famous People
Theodore Roosevelt (26th President of the United States), Theodore Dreiser (American novelist), Theodore Maiman (American physicist)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 91 peak births in 1927
Geographic Spread
Popular across 22 US states, with strongest presence in South Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 4 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 7 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 772nd of 7545 | 1,187 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 766th of 6773 | 1,220 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 1077th of 7552 | 930 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2074th of 10718 | 327 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 5085th of 16616 | 140 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 13658th of 24088 | 41 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 11349th of 23106 | 57 |