Theodor Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Theodor is a name of Greek origin meaning 'gift of God'. It evolved from Theodoros through various linguistic forms and has been associated with historical figures and saints, especially in Christian contexts. The name carries connotations of nobility and intelligence, and while it has historical roots, it remains a name of choice in modern times.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Theodor"
Pronunciation
/θiˈoʊdɔr/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Theodor comes from the Greek name 'Theodoros', which means 'gift of God'. It is derived from the elements 'theos' meaning 'God' and 'doron' meaning 'gift'.
Meaning
gift of God
Language Evolution
Theodoros (Greek), Theodorus (Latin), Theodorus (Old French), Theodor (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Theodor gained popularity in the Christian context during the early medieval period due to the veneration of saints named Theodor, particularly in Eastern Orthodox traditions.
Variants & Derivatives
Theodore, Teodor, Teodoro, Todor
Modern Popularity & Image
Theodor is perceived as a classic and sophisticated name, often associated with intelligence and nobility. It remains moderately popular in various cultures.
Famous People
Theodor Herzl, a key figure in the founding of modern Zionism, Theodor Seuss Geisel, better known as Dr. Seuss, an influential American author, Theodor W. Adorno, a prominent German philosopher and sociologist
📊 Theodor Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Theodor Name Visualizations
✨ Theodor Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 88 peak births in 2022
Geographic Spread
Popular across 12 US states, with strongest presence in Washington
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 7 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Theodor"
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 "Theodor"
"Theodor" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2169th of 7545 | 223 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2206th of 6773 | 210 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 2220th of 7552 | 254 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3365th of 10718 | 148 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4426th of 16616 | 173 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 4523rd of 24088 | 301 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 2107th of 23106 | 815 |
Regional Popularity of "Theodor" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
67.94% 1651st/2430 |
- |
57.80% 1604th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
67.73% 3031st/4475 |
- | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
64.60% 3336th/5164 |
- |
63.81% 4762nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
56.95% 2269th/3984 |
40.14% 1801st/4487 |
46.64% 3182nd/6822 |
27.17% 1705th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Theodor" 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 "Theodor"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Theodor" 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 "Theodor" in the United States
The name Theodor is most popular in Washington, 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 gaining popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Theodor 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, 'Theodor' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2169th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2206th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 2220th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3365th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4426th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4523rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2107th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Theodor' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.