Theodore is a name of Greek origin, derived from the words "theos" meaning god and "dōrōs" meaning gift. Therefore, Theodore translates to "gift of God." This name has been popular throughout history, with several notable figures bearing it.
One of the most famous Theodores was Saint Theodore of Tyana, a philosopher and ascetic in the 2nd century AD. He is revered as a saint by the Eastern Orthodox Church and was known for his wisdom and virtue. Another prominent figure named Theodore was Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Born into a wealthy family, Roosevelt went on to serve as governor of New York before becoming president in 1901.
The name Theodore has also been used by several royalty throughout history. King Theodore I of Ethiopia ruled from 1855 until his overthrow in 1868, while King Theodore II of Greece reigned briefly in 1832 before being overthrown and exiled.
Despite its historic usage, the name Theodore remains relatively uncommon today. However, it has gained some popularity recently as a unisex name, with both boys and girls being given this name at birth. Overall, Theodore is an attractive and distinctive name that carries a rich history and meaningful significance.
Theodore is a name that has seen some fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. In 1989, there were 6 babies named Theodore. This number remained steady with another 6 births in 2021 and again in 2022. However, there was a slight dip in popularity in 2020 with only 5 births recorded that year. Interestingly, the trend reversed in 2023 with another decrease to 5 births.
Overall, from 1989 to 2023, there have been a total of 28 babies named Theodore born in the United States. While this number may not be as high as some other names, it's clear that Theodore continues to be a name chosen by parents for their children over several decades.