Home Name Meanings Theodore

Theodore Name Meaning, Origin & History

Name Meaning & Origin

Theodore

🔊 THEO-dore  /ˈθiːədɔr/

"Given by God"

Greek Origin Christianity Predominantly Male 📈 Peak 2024 👥 304,723 in US Christian Biblical Saint
📖
Meaning
Given by God
🌍
Origin
Greek
👥
US Bearers
304,723
Life Path
Number 3

📖 What Does Theodore Mean?

Derived from the Greek 'theos' meaning 'God' and 'doron' meaning 'gift', the name Theodore means 'Given by God'. In Christian tradition, the name has been given to numerous saints and has been a popular name for boys in the Western world since the early Middle Ages.

🌐 From Wikipedia Source ↗

Theodore is a masculine given name. It comes from the Ancient Greek name Θεόδωρος (Theódoros), meaning "gift of God". The name was borne by several figures in ancient Greece, such as Theodorus of Samos and Theodorus of Byzantium, but gained popularity due to the rise of Christendom.…

Root Element
Theodore
Core Meaning
"Given by God"
Language
English, Hebrew, Greek, Latin
Themes
Gift of God · God's Gift

🌐 Theodore in Different Languages

🇬🇧 English
Theodore
Gift of God, divine gift, or God's present

Theodore is derived from the Greek words 'theos' (God) and 'doron' (gift), meaning 'gift of God' or 'divine gift'. This name has been used in Christian tradition since early times and symbolizes a chi…

Personality of Theodore

Emotional Traits

Compassionate Loyal

Hidden Personality

D = Devoted
S = Spiritual

🍀 Lucky Attributes

📅
Lucky Day
Thursday
🔢
Lucky Number
3
💎
Lucky Stone
Ruby
🌟
Life Path
3

Lucky Colors

Red
Brown

Numerology: Expresses creativity, self-expression, and personal freedom.

🔢 Numerology of Theodore

T 2
H 8
E 5
O 6
D 4
O 6
R 9
E 5
SUM 9
9
Life Path
Compassion & Idealism
22
Soul Urge
Master Builder
5
Personality
Freedom & Adventure

Life Path 9 — Compassion & Idealism: Humanitarian, selfless, and globally-minded.

🕊️ Cultural & Spiritual Significance

Cultural Impact

The name Theodore has been widely used in the Western world since the early Middle Ages, particularly among Christian communities. It holds a rich cultural significance as the name of numerous saints, including St. Theodore of Amasya, St. Theodore of Tarsus, and St. Theodore of Studion. The name has also been used in royalty, such as Theodore II of Byzantium, and in literature, such as in Mark Twain's novel "The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn."

Spiritual Significance

The name Theodore carries a deep spiritual significance as it is a reminder of the belief that each person is a gift from God. The name is a reflection of the belief that we are all created by a higher power and that our lives have meaning and purpose beyond ourselves. It is a name that inspires gratitude, humility, and a deep sense of connection to the divine.

Gender Distribution

♂ Male100%
♀ Female0%

Based on 304,723 US Social Security records

📈 US Popularity

Total US bearers 304,723
Peak year 2024 (12,024)
First recorded 1880
Last recorded 2024
Gender Predominantly Male
Full US statistics →

🗺️ Global Popularity

Overall Popularity Score 60/100
🌍 Poland
52%
🌍 France
62%

Historical Journey

🌱
Ancient Roots

Root element "Theodore" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Given by God".

📜
Classical Period

Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.

⚔️
Medieval Period

Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.

🌊
Modern Adoption

Standardized in its current form, established across English-speaking and Muslim communities.

📈
Today (2026)

~304,723 people named Theodore in the US. Peaked in 2024 with 12,024 recorded uses.

🏛️
4th-7th centuries

Historical records show that Theodore was a common name among early Christian saints and martyrs. The name Theodore carried significant spiritual weight in that era.

🏛️
12th-15th centuries

Historical records show that Theodore was also a name used by medieval scholars and theologians. The name Theodore carried significant spiritual weight in that era.

Modern Usage

The name Theodore remains relevant in modern Christian society, representing a bridge between traditional Biblical values and contemporary life. It is widely discussed on digital platforms and continues to be a popular choice for families seeking meaningful Christian names.

Famous People Named Theodore

T
Theodore Roosevelt
T
Theodore Bikel
T
Theodore Hesburgh

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Theodore mean?

Theodore means "Given by God" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.

Is Theodore a good Christian name?

Yes, Theodore is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.

What is the origin of the name Theodore?

Theodore has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.

What is the numerology number for Theodore?

The Life Path number for Theodore is 9, associated with Compassion & Idealism. Soul Urge: 22. Personality: 5.

Is Theodore a boy or girl name?

Theodore is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 100% male and 0% female.

How many people are named Theodore in the US?

Approximately 304,723 people in the United States are named Theodore. The name peaked in 2024 with 12,024 recorded uses.

🔗 Related & Similar Names

Related Names

Theodora Theophilus Theodosius

Similar Sounding

Teddy Theo

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