Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Theodora originates from Greek, meaning 'gift of God'. It evolved from the Ancient Greek 'Theodōra' and has maintained its form through history. The name is often associated with nobility and has biblical relevance. It is seen as a classic name with a sophisticated image, and several notable historical figures bear this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/θiˈɔːdərə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Theodora comes from the Greek name 'Theodōra', which means 'gift of God'. It is derived from the elements 'theos', meaning 'God', and 'doron', meaning 'gift'.
Meaning
gift of God
Language Evolution
Theodōra (Ancient Greek), Theodōra (Medieval Greek), Theodora (English)
Historical Usage
Theodora gained popularity in the Byzantine Empire, particularly due to the fame of Empress Theodora, wife of Emperor Justinian I, in the 6th century. The name has remained in use throughout various cultures and periods, often associated with nobility.
Variants & Derivatives
Dora, Theo, Thea
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Theodora is viewed as a classic and elegant name. It has gained a resurgence in popularity in recent years, often associated with vintage charm and sophistication.
Famous People
Theodora of Alexandria (saint), Theodora, Empress of the Byzantine Empire, Theodora, Duchess of the Netherlands
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 426 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 38 US states, with strongest presence in New York
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (2 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 2 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 | 5260th of 7545 | 26 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5372nd of 6773 | 17 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 7201st of 7552 | 6 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 585th of 9107 | 2,618 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 627th of 9204 | 2,268 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 999th of 12526 | 1,988 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1860th of 19264 | 778 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2560th of 27321 | 711 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3247th of 35406 | 756 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 1098th of 30306 | 2,797 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male 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) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
38.21% 541st/1416 |
24.58% 339th/1379 |
54.10% 1280th/2366 |
44.75% 511th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
39.00% 603rd/1546 |
22.88% 356th/1556 |
56.86% 1338th/2353 |
43.44% 672nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
46.61% 1038th/2227 |
26.58% 646th/2430 |
48.76% 1391st/2853 |
41.05% 1139th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
69.49% 2041st/2937 |
36.29% 1264th/3483 |
79.76% 2806th/3518 |
63.13% 2553rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
63.69% 2347th/3685 |
38.19% 1709th/4475 |
65.42% 3398th/5194 |
39.75% 2511th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.24% 3264th/4582 |
34.62% 1788th/5164 |
87.19% 6376th/7313 |
42.29% 3156th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
24.25% 966th/3984 |
17.23% 773rd/4487 |
19.16% 1307th/6822 |
18.61% 1168th/6276 |
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 New York across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. 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 female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, too falling for female in South, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5260th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5372nd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 7201st out of 7552 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 585th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 627th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 999th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1860th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 2560th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3247th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1098th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.