Ted is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is a short form of the name Theodore, which is derived from the Greek words "theos" meaning god and "dora" meaning gift. Therefore, Ted means "gift of God." The name Theodore was first used by early Christians to honor Saint Theodore of Amasea, a 4th-century martyr.
The name Ted has been popular throughout history. It was a common name among the royal family in Scotland during the Middle Ages. King Alexander III of Scotland had a son named Alexander who was known as "Tad" or "Ted." The name also gained popularity in England during the Victorian era and continued to be used frequently throughout the 20th century.
Today, Ted is still considered a classic name for boys. It is often chosen by parents who want their child to have a traditional name with a modern twist. While Theodore has become increasingly popular in recent years, Ted remains a beloved and enduring choice for many families.
The name Ted has seen a significant amount of fluctuation in popularity over the past century and a half in the United States.
In the late 1800s, the name Ted was quite uncommon, with fewer than 20 births per year between 1880 and 1889. However, it began to gain traction in the early 1900s, with over 100 births per year consistently from 1905 onwards.
The peak of popularity for the name Ted occurred in the mid-1940s, with a total of 1490 births recorded in 1946. This was nearly double the number of births recorded just five years prior, in 1941, and marked an unprecedented high point for the name.
However, after this peak, the popularity of Ted began to decline steadily. By the 1970s, fewer than 500 babies were named Ted per year, and this trend has continued into the present day. In recent years, the number of births with the name Ted has fallen below 50 annually.
Despite this decline in popularity, the name Ted remains a classic and enduring choice for parents in the United States. Its shorter form, Teddy, has also seen significant popularity over the years, particularly among younger generations. Overall, while the popularity of the name Ted has ebbed and flowed over time, it has maintained a steady presence in American naming trends.