All about the name

Theoden

Male

« Theoden is a name of Old Norse origin meaning 'of Thor' or 'Thor's kin'. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Theoden is a name of Norse origin, derived from the Old Norse elements "Þórr" and "ðinn". Þórr refers to the god of thunder in Norse mythology, while "ðinn" means "of". Therefore, Theoden translates to "of Thor" or "Thor's kin". The name Theoden has a significant presence in J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy series, "The Lord of the Rings". In these books, Theoden is the king of Rohan, a region ruled by horse-lords who are allies of the Hobbits and enemies of the dark lord Sauron. However, before appearing in Tolkien's works, the name was used in Norse history. In historical context, Theoden was a king of Sweden in the 10th century AD. He is known for his successful campaigns against Norway and Denmark, ultimately expanding Swedish territory significantly. This historical figure is not related to the fictional character created by J.R.R. Tolkien, but both share the same name that reflects their Norse heritage. In summary, Theoden is a Norse name meaning "of Thor" or "Thor's kin". It has been used historically and appears prominently in popular culture, notably in J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Lord of the Rings". Despite its popularity in recent times due to its association with the fantasy series, Theoden remains a name rooted deeply in Norse history and mythology.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Theoden since 1880

Total births
513
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
93 births
in 2023
93
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+230%
vs previous 5 years