Theodore: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced THEE-uh-dor · 3 syllables
Theodore means “gift of God”, from Greek.
Learned borrowing from Latin Theodorus, borrowed from Ancient Greek (Theodoros), from (theos, “god”) + (doron, “gift”). The name was popularized in reference to the prominent St Theodore of Amasea. Unrelated to Theodoric.
- Meaning
- gift of God
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- THEE-uh-dor
- US rank (2025)
- #4
- US babies a year
- about 11,399 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 2020
- Style
- Rising, Classic
- Nicknames
- Ted, Teddy, Theo
How popular is Theodore?
Theodore was the #4 name in the US in 2025, given to 13,362 babies. It’s rising: up 327% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
Most popular in Kansas (#1), Maine (#1), Michigan (#1), Minnesota (#1), New Hampshire (#1), Wyoming (#1), Alaska (#2), Colorado (#2).
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #4 |
| England & Wales | #14 |
| Scotland | #50 |
| Northern Ireland | #57 |
| Ireland | #45 |
| France | #230 |
| Canada | #5 |
| Australia | #3 |
How old are people named Theodore?
Half of US adults named Theodore are older than 60; most are between 22 and 85. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Theodore
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Theodore have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
Names like Theodore
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Theodore
What does the name Theodore mean?
Theodore means “gift of God”. It comes from Greek.
How do you pronounce Theodore?
Theodore is pronounced THEE-uh-dor.
How popular is the name Theodore?
Theodore was the #4 name in the US in 2025, given to 13,362 babies. It’s rising: up 327% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 2020.
How old are people named Theodore?
Half of US adults named Theodore are older than 60. Most are between 22 and 85.