Boy · 3123rd of 7,552
Theordore
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
412
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1920
Peak Popularity Year
13
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Theordore 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
The name Theodore originates from Greek, meaning 'gift of God'. It has evolved through various forms including Theodoros and Theodorus in Greek and Latin, respectively, before becoming Theodore in English. The name is associated with positive traits and has biblical relevance through its Christian connections. It has gained popularity since the early Christian era and remains a favorable choice today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈθiːədɔːr/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Theodore comes from the Greek name 'Theodoros', which is composed of the elements 'theos' meaning 'God' and 'doron' meaning 'gift'. Thus, it translates to 'gift of God'.
Meaning
gift of God
Language Evolution
Theodoros (Ancient Greek), Theodorus (Latin), Theodore (Old French, Middle English), Theodore (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name Theodore gained popularity in the Christian world due to its positive meaning and association with saints. It has been in use since the early centuries of the Christian era.
Variants & Derivatives
Theodora, Theo, Teddy, Ted
Modern Popularity & Image
Theodore is viewed positively in modern times, often associated with intelligence and kindness. It has seen a resurgence in popularity in recent years, particularly in the United States.
Famous People
Theodore Roosevelt, Theodore Dreiser, Theodore M. Hesburgh, Theodore Bikel
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 13 peak births in 1920
Geographic Spread
Popular across 0 US states, with strongest presence in various regions
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
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 6 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3513th of 7545 | 86 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3608th of 6773 | 77 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3123rd of 7552 | 134 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4892nd of 10718 | 70 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 9851st of 16616 | 34 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 19426th of 23106 | 11 |