Theoden Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Theoden originates from Old English, meaning 'king' or 'leader'. It evolved from the Proto-Germanic term '*þiudan' through various forms in the English language. The name is often associated with traits of strength and nobility, with no direct biblical relevance. Its modern popularity surged due to its literary presence in 'The Lord of the Rings', making it a recognized name in contemporary culture.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Theoden"
Pronunciation
/ˈθiːoʊdən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
Theoden derives from the Old English word 'þeoden', which means 'king' or 'leader'. This term is rooted in the Proto-Germanic '*þiudan', also reflecting a royal or noble status.
Meaning
king, leader
Language Evolution
Proto-Germanic *þiudan, Old English þeoden, Middle English theoden
Historical Usage
The name Theoden gained popularity in modern times primarily due to its use in J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Lord of the Rings', where Theoden is the noble king of Rohan. This exposure has made the name more familiar and embraced in contemporary culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Theodoric, Theo, Theodosia
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Theoden is perceived as a strong and regal name, often associated with leadership and nobility, largely influenced by its representation in popular literature and media.
Famous People
Theoden of Rohan (fictional character), Theoden, a character in literature and film adaptations
📊 Theoden Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Theoden Name Visualizations
✨ Theoden Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 93 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 10 US states, with strongest presence in Idaho
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 2 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Theoden"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Theoden"
"Theoden" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 10379th of 24088 | 79 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2819th of 23106 | 523 |
Regional Popularity of "Theoden" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
71.34% 2842nd/3984 |
64.54% 2896th/4487 |
53.84% 3673rd/6822 |
39.82% 2499th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Theoden" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Theoden"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Theoden" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Theoden" in the United States
The name Theoden is most popular in Idaho, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Theoden has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Theoden' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10379th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2819th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Theoden' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.