Theodor is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name Theodore, which means "gift of God." This name has been used throughout history and across different cultures, with some notable figures including Saint Theodore of Amasea, a Christian martyr who was executed during the reign of Emperor Gallus in the fourth century.
The name Theodor has also been associated with various historical figures, such as Theodor Herzl, an Austrian journalist and political activist who is considered the father of modern Zionism, and Theodor Geisel, better known by his pen name Dr. Seuss, an American children's author and illustrator whose work includes classic books like "The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham."
In terms of its popularity, Theodor has been more commonly used as a given name in countries such as Germany, Switzerland, and Austria, although it can be found in other parts of Europe and beyond. According to some sources, the name Theodor ranks among the top 1000 most popular names for newborn boys in some countries, but its usage remains relatively rare compared to more common names like John or Michael.
Overall, Theodor is a unique and distinctive name with a rich history that spans centuries and cultures. Its meaning as a "gift of God" may have contributed to its popularity among religious communities throughout the years, while its association with notable figures has helped to solidify its place in history.
The name Theodore has seen a steady stream of popularity in the United States throughout the early to mid-20th century, with a total of 86 babies given this name between 1916 and 1956.
The peak years for Theodore births were 1928 and 1952, with both years seeing seven births each. The name also remained consistently popular throughout the 1940s and early 1950s, with five or six births every year from 1946 to 1956.
Interestingly, there were brief periods where Theodore births were less frequent. Between 1923 and 1946, there was only one birth each year (in 1923 and 1940), indicating a temporary decrease in popularity for the name during that time.
Overall, these statistics show that the name Theodore has enjoyed a consistent level of popularity in the United States over several decades, with a noticeable surge in popularity occurring in two specific years.