Theodoros is a Greek masculine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "theos," which means "god," and "doron," which means "gift." Thus, Theodoros translates to "gift of God."
The name Theodoros has been used in Greece for centuries and has been borne by several notable figures throughout history. One of the most famous bearers of this name is Saint Theodore of Tyana, a Christian ascetic who lived during the 3rd century AD. He was known for his miracles and his teachings on virtue and self-control, and he is celebrated as a saint in both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Catholic Church.
Theodoros is also associated with Greek mythology. In Homer's Odyssey, one of Odysseus's men is named Theodoros, who is described as being swift-footed like the god Hermes.
Today, Theodoros remains a popular name in Greece, often shortened to Theo orTheo̱raios. It is also used in other countries with significant Greek populations, such as Cyprus and Australia. The female equivalent of Theodoros is Theodoraki or Theodorou.
In terms of its usage over time, Theodoros was most prevalent during the 19th and early 20th centuries in Greece, but its popularity has since declined. Nevertheless, it remains a traditional and historic Greek name with deep roots in both religion and mythology.
Theodore is a name that has seen fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. From 1967 to 2023, there have been a total of 496 babies named Theodore born in the U.S.
The peak years for this name were from 2016 onwards, with 18 births recorded in 2016 and 22 births each year from 2021 to 2023. This indicates a recent increase in popularity for the name Theodoros.
However, it's important to note that popularity can vary greatly over time. For instance, between 1967 and 1984, there were fewer than 15 births each year with the exception of 1981 (14 births) and 1983 (14 births). The lowest point was in 1993 with only 5 births recorded.
Overall, while Theodoros may not have been consistently popular over time, it has seen a resurgence in recent years, suggesting that it could continue to be a favored choice for parents naming their sons.