Theophilus is a unique and interesting given name of Greek origin. It is composed of two elements: theos, which means "god," and philios, which means "friend." Therefore, Theophilus translates to "loved by God" or "friend of God."
The name Theophilus was quite popular in ancient Greece and Rome, where it was often given as a title of honor or respect. It was also used as a title for high-ranking officials, such as the emperor's friend or the governor's friend.
One of the most notable historical figures with the name Theophilus was Theophilus I, who was the patriarch of Alexandria from 385 to 412 AD. He is known for his role in the Christological controversies of the time and his opposition to Nestorianism.
In literature, Theophilus was also the name of a character in Boccaccio's Decameron, a collection of tales written in the 14th century. In this story, Theophilus is a young man who falls in love with a beautiful maiden named Melibea, and their passionate love affair ultimately leads to tragedy.
Overall, Theophilus is an uncommon yet fascinating name with a rich history and meaningful significance. It is a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive and significant name for their child.
The name Theophile has been a relatively uncommon choice for parents in the United States over the past century and a half, with only 221 recorded births bearing this name since 1880.
Looking at the data year by year, we can see that there were periods of time where the name was more popular than others. For instance, between 1913 and 1928, there were at least six births each year for children named Theophile, with a peak of 15 births in 1928. However, after this period, the popularity of the name began to decline, with only six or fewer births recorded annually from 1929 until 1994.
The name experienced a brief resurgence in recent years, with eight births recorded in both 2010 and 2020. Despite this, Theophile remains a rare choice for baby boys in the United States today.
Overall, while the name Theophile may not be as popular as some other options, it has been consistently chosen by parents over time, even if only sporadically. Perhaps its unique sound or historical significance appeals to those who choose it, making it a distinctive and uncommon name choice for their children.