Theodor is a name of Greek origin that means "gift of God." It is composed of two elements: theos, which means "god," and doron, which means "gift." Therefore, Theodor signifies "gift from God."
The name Theodor has been popular throughout history, particularly in Europe. One of the most notable figures with this name was Theodore of Tarsus, who became Archbishop of Canterbury in the 7th century. He was known for his leadership and contributions to the expansion of Christianity.
In literature, Theodor is also the name of a character in the novel "The Stranger" by Albert Camus. However, Theodor as a name stands independent from its literary or historical contexts, carrying its own unique charm and significance regardless of its notable bearers throughout history.
Today, Theodor continues to be used as a given name for boys, with variations such as Theodore, Theo, or Teddy. It remains a timeless choice due to its rich history and elegant meaning.
Theodore is a name that has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Theodore was relatively uncommon, with fewer than 15 births per year between 1884 and 1934.
However, from 1935 onwards, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Theodore each year. The highest point during this period was reached in 1946, with 18 births. This trend continued into the 1950s and 1960s, with an average of around 12-15 births per year.
There was another notable spike in popularity for Theodore in the late 1970s to early 1980s, with peaks of 14 births in 1987 and 16 births in 1989. This trend continued throughout the 1990s, with an average of around 12-15 births per year.
In recent years, Theodore has seen a significant increase in popularity. From 2002 onwards, there have been more than 40 Theodore births each year. The highest number recorded was in 2022 and 2023, with 87 and 86 births respectively. Overall, since 1884, there have been a total of 2068 babies named Theodore born in the United States.
This data demonstrates that while Theodore has not always been among the most popular names, it has enjoyed periods of significant popularity throughout history. Its current status as one of the top boy's names in the United States suggests that its appeal continues to grow.