Baby Names Boy Names Theodore Name Meaning Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Theodore. By Vicky Yip Published on July 8, 2024 Fact checked by Sarah Scott In This Article View All In This Article How Popular Is the Name Theodore? Name Variations Similar Names Suggested Sibling Names Famous People Named Theodore Close If you’re looking for an enduring name with roots going back to ancient times, then Theodore might be the one for you. The name Theodore is of Greek origin meaning “gift of God” or “divine gift.” The original Greek name Theodoros is a compound of theos (God) and doron (gift). The name was a relatively prevalent name in the Middle Ages because of its favorable meaning. In the centuries before Christ, notable inventors, mathematicians, philosophers, and rulers were named Theodore. Though not a Biblical name, Theodore became popular among early Christians of the Eastern Orthodox Church. In the 17th century, the name Theodore dropped in status among English Puritans due to its association with Roman Catholicism. Origin: The name Theodore is of Greek origin meaning “gift of God.”Gender: Theodore is most commonly used as a boy name. Pronunciation: thee-uh-dawr, thee-uh-dohr Editor's Note Although baby names are often separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It's important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best. How Popular Is the Name Theodore? Theodore has been a popular name since ancient Greek times due to its auspicious meaning. Many early church saints and two Roman Catholic popes bore the name Theodore. The name endured throughout history and never lost its luster. The name Theodore entered the Social Security Administration’s list of top 1,000 names for baby boys at No. 61 in 1900, the year data was first made available. It remained in the top 100 until 1945. After that point, Theodore started to decrease in popularity but never got close to dropping off the list. The name Theodore dipped down to its lowest ranking in 1999 at No. 314. It made a relatively quick turnaround and has since shot back up the list. Theodore was ranked as No. 7 in 2023, the most popular it has ever been since its debut on the list. The popularity of Theodore follows the growing affinity for vintage names from another era. Parents are choosing names from a grandparents’ generation and making them new again. The Rise of the Teddy Bear One of the reasons for the rise in popularity of the name Theodore in the United States during the early part of the 20th century is attributed to Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt, the 26th President. He was also known as the originator of the “teddy bear.” The story goes that while on a hunting trip, President Roosevelt refused to shoot a bear tied up as his kill. The newspapers reported the incident with a caricature of the bear drawn as small and cute. The drawing was soon made into a stuffed toy and named “Teddy’s bear.” Name Variations The following are variations of the name Theodore: Teodor (Czech) Theodor (Danish) Theodoor (Dutch) Theodorus (Latin) Teodoro (Portuguese) Fyodor (Russian) Similar Names Similar sounding names to Theodore include: FilmoreFordJordanSalvadoreThaddeusThatcherThorTor Other Greek boy names include: Alexander Basil Darius Eugene Gregory Griffin Nicholas Sebastian Sirius Other names that start with "T" include: TaylorThatcherThiagoThomasTitusTobiasTreyTrippTristanTrumanTyler Suggested Sibling Names Looking for a sibling name for Theodore? Here are some popular options: BenjaminClydeEleanorHowardJudithMargaretOliverPearlPenelopeWallace Famous People Named Theodore With such a long history, the name Theodore has ties to both highly regarded historical figures and disreputable ones as well. One of modern America’s most notorious criminals was named Theodore “Ted” Bundy. On the other hand, one of America’s most well-known children’s book authors, who wrote under the pen name of Dr. Seuss, also shared the name. Famous Theodores Theodor Seuss Geisel, children's author, political cartoonist, illustrator, poet, animator, and filmmaker known as "Dr. Seuss"Theodore “Ted” Nugent, American musician, songwriter, guitarist and activistTheodore “Teddy” Pendergrass, Grammy Award-nominated American singerTheodore “Teddy” Wilson, American jazz pianistThéodore Géricault, French Romantic painterTheodore Huebner Roethke, American poet regarded as one of the most influential poets of his generationTheodore of Tarsus, Archbishop of Canterbury during 668–690 CETheodore Prodromos, Byzantine Greek writer and poetTheodore Roosevelt, 26th President of the United StatesTheodore Sturgeon, American fiction author of primarily fantasy, science fiction, and horror Fictional Theodores Theodore “Theo” Huxtable, a character who appeared in the American sitcom The Cosby ShowTheodore "Ted" Evelyn Mosby, a character and the protagonist in the American sitcom How I Met Your MotherTheodore "T-Bag" Bagwell, a character from the American television series Prison BreakTheodore Seville, one of the three main protagonists of the animated cartoon franchise Alvin and the ChipmunksTheodore Boone, a character in the young Theodore Boone Mystery series from internationally bestselling author John Grisham More Baby Names Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options: 100 Unique Boy Names 50 Pop Culture Baby Names 50 Creative Baby Names Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit Sources Parents uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Theodore Family History. Dictionary of American Family Names 2nd edition, Oxford University Press. 2022. Popularity of a Name: Theodore. Social Security Administration. 2024. The Story of the Teddy Bear. National Park Service. 2023.