Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Theodore originates from the Greek name Theodoros, meaning 'gift of God.' It evolved through various forms in different languages, maintaining its core meaning. The name is associated with positive traits and has biblical relevance through its components. Its popularity has remained steady, bolstered by notable figures throughout history.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈθiːədɔːr/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Theodore is derived from the Greek name Θεόδωρος (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 (Ancient Greek), Theodorus (Latin), Theodore (English)
Biblical Background
The name Theodore is not directly mentioned in the Bible, but the components 'theos' and 'doron' have significant biblical relevance, as they relate to the concept of divine gifts.
Historical Usage
The name Theodore gained popularity in the early Christian era, particularly due to the veneration of saints named Theodore, including Saint Theodore of Amasea and Saint Theodore of Sykeon. It has remained a recognizable name throughout centuries.
Variants & Derivatives
Theo, Ted, Teddy, Teodoro (Spanish), Todor (Bulgarian)
Modern Popularity & Image
The name Theodore is currently viewed positively, often associated with intelligence and kindness. It has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, partly due to cultural references in media.
Famous People
Theodore Roosevelt (26th President of the United States), Theodore Dreiser (American novelist), Theodore Melfi (American director and screenwriter)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 34 peak births in 1929
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in North Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1479th of 7545 | 394 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1506th of 6773 | 388 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2168th of 7552 | 267 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5093rd of 10718 | 64 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 12331st of 16616 | 17 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 21740th of 23106 | 6 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
81.45% 1927th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
69.95% 1646th/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in North Carolina across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Silent Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in South. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in South. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1479th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1506th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2168th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5093rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12331st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21740th out of 23106 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.