Theora is a rare and distinctive female given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "theōros," which means "spectator" or "viewer." This name was used in ancient Greece to refer to someone who was an observer or attendee at religious ceremonies.
In the modern era, Theora has been used sparingly as a given name for girls. It is not listed among the Social Security Administration's top 1000 baby names for any year since records began in 1879. Despite its rarity, Theora has been chosen by some parents who appreciate its unique sound and meaning.
There are no notable historical figures or celebrities with the name Theora, making it a truly uncommon choice. However, one interesting bearer of this name is Theora H. Bird (1892-1974), an American anthropologist and linguist known for her work on Native American languages and cultures. Bird was born in Theora, Illinois, which may have inspired her parents to choose this rare name.
In literature, Theora appears as a character in Thomas Hardy's novel "The Return of the Native" (1878). In this story, Theora is one of the inhabitants of Egdon Heath, the fictional setting of the novel. Her appearance and personality are described in detail, providing insight into life in rural England during Victorian times.
Overall, Theora is an uncommon yet intriguing female given name with a meaningful origin and history. Its rarity makes it a distinctive choice for parents looking to give their daughter a unique and memorable name.
The name Theora has been given to a total of 845 babies born in the United States over the years. While it experienced some popularity during certain periods, its usage has generally been quite rare.
Looking at the annual statistics from 1891 to 2020, we can see that the number of births with the name Theora varied significantly throughout this time frame:
* The earliest year recorded is 1891, with a total of 7 births.
* The peak years for the name were between 1913 and 1919, with a high of 36 births in 1919.
* After the 1920s, the popularity of the name started to decline. There were still some years with notable numbers like 1929 (37 births) and 1940 (14 births), but overall it became less common.
* From the 1950s onwards, Theora was given to fewer than ten babies in a year most of the time. There were slight upticks in some years like 1988 (7 births) and 2020 (7 births).
Despite its fluctuating popularity, Theora remains an uncommon name overall. Its uniqueness may appeal to parents looking for something distinctive for their child. However, it's important to consider that having a rare name can come with its own set of pros and cons, such as standing out but potentially being mispronounced or misspelled. Ultimately, choosing a name is a personal decision based on individual preferences and family traditions.