Theodora is a feminine given name of Greek origin that has been used throughout history and across various cultures. The name Theodora is derived from two Greek words: "theos" meaning god, and "doron" meaning gift. Therefore, the name Theodora means "gift of God."
The use of the name Theodora can be traced back to ancient Greece, where it was often given to daughters born into wealthy and influential families. One of the most notable historical figures with this name is Theodora, the wife of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian I in the 6th century AD. She was known for her intelligence, political acumen, and influence over her husband's rule.
In medieval Europe, the name Theodora continued to be used, particularly among the Orthodox Church. Several saints named Theodora were venerated during this period, including Saint Theodora of Alexandria, who was martyred in the 4th century AD.
The use of the name Theodora has seen fluctuations in popularity over time. It was quite popular in the Middle Ages but fell out of fashion in many countries during the modern era. However, in recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in this historic name, and it is now once again being chosen by parents for their daughters.
Overall, Theodora is a unique and distinctive feminine given name with a rich history and an elegant meaning that continues to appeal to parents looking for a timeless and meaningful name for their daughters.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Thedora experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1915 and 1956, there were a total of 103 births registered with the name Thedora.
The name's peak popularity occurred in 1925 with nine babies being named Thedora that year. This could indicate that there might have been a particular event or trend influencing parents' choice of this unique name during that time.
Interestingly, the name Thedora also experienced a resurgence in popularity between 1947 and 1952, with five births each in 1947 and 1949, six births in 1950, six in 1951, nine in 1952, and six in 1954. This suggests that the name might have gone through a revival during this period.
However, it's important to note that overall, Thedora was not one of the most popular baby names throughout these years. In fact, there were several years with only five births each registered with this name. This indicates that Thedora was quite uncommon and unique compared to other names given during those periods.
Despite its limited popularity, the name Thedora carried a certain uniqueness and individuality, as it was not widely used like many popular baby names of the time. Each child named Thedora likely stood out among their peers due to this rarity.