Theodore: Name Guide
Quick Summary: Theodore is a male name of Greek origin, meaning "gift of God". This classic name has surged to the top of US rankings after decades of decline, reclaiming its position as a distinguished, timeless choice.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Origin | Greek |
| Meaning | Gift of God |
| Gender | Male |
| Pronunciation | THEE-uh-dor |
Etymology of Theodore
Theodore derives from the Greek name Θεοδωρος (Theodoros), composed of two elements: theos (θεός), meaning "god," and doron (δῶρον), meaning "gift." The name is often interpreted as "gift of God" or "God-given."
The name entered widespread use through early Christianity, particularly via several saints and church fathers who bore the name. Saint Theodore of Amasea, a 4th-century martyr, and Saint Theodore the Studite, a Byzantine monk, helped establish the name's religious significance across the Christian world.
Theodore was adopted into Latin as Theodorus, then passed into various European languages. It entered English during the medieval period, though it remained relatively uncommon until the Victorian era revived interest in classical and religious names.
History of Theodore
Origins and Early Use
Theodore first appeared in ancient Greece as Theodoros, used among both pagans and early Christians. The name gained particular prominence in the Byzantine Empire, where it was borne by emperors and church leaders. In the Western Roman world, it was less common but appeared among clergy and scholars.
Rise to Popularity
Theodore's popularity in English-speaking countries surged in the late 19th century, riding the Victorian wave of classical name revivals. The name reached its early peak in the United States during the early 1900s.
| Era | Event | Impact on Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1901-1909 | Theodore Roosevelt presidency | Massive boost to popularity; Roosevelt embodied strength, intellectualism, and vigor |
| 1920s-1940s | Post-Roosevelt era | Remained in top 100, sustained by Roosevelt's lasting legacy |
| 1950s-2000s | Mid-century decline | Fell from favor as modern, informal names dominated; seen as old-fashioned |
| 2010s-2020s | Vintage revival | Dramatic resurgence fueled by "grandpa name" trend and celebrities (Theodore James Kushner, etc.) |
Modern Usage
Theodore has experienced one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent baby name history. After falling to #312 in the 2000s, it rocketed to #4 by 2024, becoming one of the most popular boys' names in America. This revival reflects a broader cultural shift toward vintage, formal names with strong historical roots.
Parents today are drawn to Theodore's combination of gravitas and warmth—it feels distinguished without being stuffy, classic without being dated. The abundance of friendly nicknames (Theo, Teddy) allows the name to adapt across childhood and adulthood.
Key insight: This name rose because of Theodore Roosevelt's cultural dominance in the early 20th century, declined as mid-century parents favored informality, and surged again as millennials embraced vintage names with substance and flexibility.
Why people choose this name: People tend to choose Theodore when they want to convey tradition, intelligence, and gentle strength, especially in contexts involving leadership, creativity, and timeless values.
Variants of Theodore
| Language | Form | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| English | Theodore, Theodora (F) | Full form; Theodora is the feminine |
| French | Théodore | Accented form |
| Spanish | Teodoro | Softened pronunciation |
| German | Theodor | Shortened spelling |
| Italian | Teodoro | Classic Italian form |
| Greek | Theodoros (Θεοδωρος) | Original ancient form |
| Russian | Fyodor (Фёдор) | Evolved form with distinct sound |
For digital IDs, shorter forms tend to be more practical than full international variants. Consider length, spelling clarity, and memorability.
Nicknames
- Theo
- Teddy
- Ted
- Dory (rare)
Similar Names
- Thaddeus - Similar "Th-" sound, biblical connection
- Matthias - Greek origin, "-as" ending, similar vintage feel
- Felix - Latin origin meaning "fortunate/happy," shares optimistic meaning structure
Theodore Popularity
US Rankings (SSA Data)
| Decade | Rank | Births |
|---|---|---|
| 1900s | #61 | 429 |
| 1920s | #63 | 3,219 |
| 1940s | #90 | 2,306 |
| 1960s | #149 | 2,382 |
| 1980s | #206 | 1,194 |
| 2000s | #312 | 934 |
| 2020s | #23 | 8,637 |
| 2024s | #4 | 12,011 |
Peak: 2024, ranked #4 (12,011 births)
Current (2024): #4 (12,011 births)
Trend analysis: Theodore's recent surge is driven by the "vintage name" trend, where parents seek traditional names that feel both distinguished and warm. Celebrity influence (Ivanka Trump's son Theodore James Kushner) and pop culture (Theodore from Alvin and the Chipmunks) have maintained visibility while the nickname Theo has become trendy in its own right.
Note: Popularity rankings reflect birth records and do not necessarily indicate current digital usage or username availability.
Theodore as a Username
Availability
"Theodore" as a username is often taken on major platforms, though availability varies by service and region. Due to its recent surge in popularity, securing the simple form is increasingly difficult.
Variations for IDs
| Style | Example | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | theodore | Professional, if available |
| With numbers | theo99, teddy2026 | Gaming, casual platforms |
| Abbreviated | theo, teddy, ted | Social media, shorter handles preferred |
| Stylized | xtheodore, theodorex, th3o | Creative, preserves core sound |
Digital Impression
Theodore as an ID tends to project:
- Classic intelligence - because of its Greek scholarly roots and association with thoughtful, historical figures
- Approachable formality - because it balances a dignified full form with friendly nicknames like Theo and Teddy
- Vintage charm - because it evokes early 20th-century Americana without feeling outdated
Best for: Professional profiles, creative portfolios, academic platforms, or personas that blend tradition with warmth
Avoid if: you prefer highly unique or abstract usernames, or want something distinctly modern and edgy.
Is Theodore good for a username?
Theodore works well as a username if you value classic elegance and intellectual associations. However, due to its current top-5 popularity, you may need variations like "theo_official," "theodore_creates," or numbered forms to secure availability on major platforms.
FAQ
What does Theodore mean?
Theodore means "gift of God" from the Greek theos (god) and doron (gift).
Is Theodore popular?
According to SSA data, Theodore ranks #4 in the US (2024), making it one of the most popular boys' names. It is currently rising sharply after decades of decline.
What are nicknames for Theodore?
Common nicknames: Theo, Teddy, Ted, and occasionally Dory.
Is Theodore a boy's or girl's name?
Theodore is traditionally male. The feminine form is Theodora, though it is far less common. Theodore itself is not used for girls.
How do you pronounce Theodore?
Theodore is pronounced THEE-uh-dor (three syllables). Some regional variations emphasize the final syllable slightly differently (THEE-uh-DOHR), but the standard is THEE-uh-dor.
Is Theodore good for a username?
Theodore works well as a username if you value classic, intellectual associations, though availability may require variations like "theo_" or "theodore" with modifiers due to its high popularity.
Related Names
- Felix - Latin origin, shares optimistic meaning ("fortunate" vs. "gift of God")
- Matthias - Greek origin, similar vintage revival pattern
- Theo - Shortened form, often preferred for digital IDs due to brevity and modern feel
Sources: SSA Baby Names (ssa.gov), Oxford Dictionary of First Names Last updated: February 2026