The name Theodore is of Greek origin and its meaning is "gift of God". It was first given to Saint Theodore of Amasea, a 4th-century Christian martyr who was tortured and killed for his faith. The name Theodore became popular in the Middle Ages and has since been used by many notable figures throughout history, including several kings and saints.
In medieval Europe, the name Theodore was often shortened to its diminutive form, which is where the name "Tudor" comes from. This name gained popularity during the reign of the Tudor dynasty in England, which lasted from 1485 to 1603. Some famous figures from this period with the name Theodore or a variation thereof include Henry VII and his grandson Henry VIII.
Today, the name Theodore is still used by families around the world as a way to honor their religious heritage or simply because they like its classic sound. It remains a timeless choice for parents looking for a name that combines tradition with a touch of uniqueness.
The statistics provided show that the name Theodore was given to five babies born in the United States in 1924. This trend continued with another five babies being named Theodore in both 1929 and 1930. Interestingly, there was a spike in popularity for this name in 1927 with nine births recorded that year. After a gap of several years, the name made a reappearance with five babies being named Theodore in 1944. In total, according to these records, 29 babies born in the United States were named Theodore between 1924 and 1944.