Theodore
Theodore comes from the Greek "Theodoros" — "theos" meaning god and "doron" meaning gift. It is a name that literally means "gift of God," which gives it a spiritual warmth that secular parents also appreciate. The name was borne by several early saints and by two popes, but its American identity was shaped by Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th president. Roosevelt transformed the name's image from scholarly to rugged. "Teddy" became so associated with him that the teddy bear was named after him — an involuntary legacy that made the name permanently approachable. Despite this, Theodore itself had a long decline. It fell out of the top 100 in 1971 and reached a low of #314 in 1999. Then came the comeback. Theodore re-entered the top 100 in 2016 and the top 10 in 2023 — one of the most dramatic revivals in naming history. The name's appeal is its range: Theodore is formal and distinguished, Theo is modern and European, Teddy is warm and childlike. Parents can choose their preferred register. The name sounds intelligent without being stiff, which is exactly what many modern parents want. Theodore is a male name of Greek origin that means "Gift of God". Intelligent, warm, and unexpectedly playful. The name sounds like someone who reads a lot but also knows how to have fun. Theos are often the interesting ones at parties. US top 10 as of 2023. One of the fastest-rising names of the 2020s. Well-known people named Theodore include Theodore Roosevelt (US President), Theodore Seuss Geisel / Dr. Seuss (author), Theodore Sturgeon (sci-fi writer), Theodore (fictional, various). Common variations and related forms of Theodore include Theodor (German/Scandinavian), Théodore (French), Teodoro (Italian/Spanish), Theo (short form), Fyodor (Russian).