Theodora is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek words "theos" meaning "god" and "doron" meaning "gift". Therefore, Theodora means "gift of God".
The name Theodora was first used by the Eastern Roman Empire in the 6th century. The most famous bearer of this name is Empress Theodora (c. 500 - 548), who was born into a humble family but rose to become one of the most powerful women in Byzantine history. She married Emperor Justinian I and played an influential role in his reign, advocating for social reforms and supporting charitable causes.
After Empress Theodora's death, her name continued to be used throughout the Middle Ages and beyond. However, it was not until the 19th century that Theodora became more popular as a given name in Europe and North America.
Today, Theodora is still considered an uncommon but elegant choice for a girl's name. It has a rich historical background and a beautiful meaning, making it a timeless option for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Theodora has a rich history of usage in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 11,921 births registered for the name Theodora.
In the late 19th century, the name's popularity was quite low, with only single-digit numbers of babies being named Theodora each year. The first significant spike in popularity occurred around 1904-1905, with 39 and 40 births respectively. This trend continued into the early 20th century, peaking at 184 births in 1921.
After a brief decline, the name's popularity rebounded in the 1960s and 70s, with consistent numbers of babies being named Theodora each year. However, it was not until the late 1990s that the name began to gain significant traction once again. Between 2018 and 2023, there were over 500 births registered for the name Theodora in the United States.
These statistics demonstrate a fascinating pattern of ebb and flow in the usage of the name Theodora over time. Despite periods of decline, the name has consistently maintained some level of popularity throughout history, culminating in a notable resurgence in recent years.