Find out how popular the first name Teddy has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Teddy by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Teddy is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 93% of people named Teddy being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 219 male babies and 62 female babies born with the name Teddy.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 62 baby girls were named Teddy in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Teddy

The given name Teddy is a diminutive form of the name Theodore, derived from the Greek name Theodoros. The name Theodoros is composed of the elements theos, meaning "god," and doron, meaning "gift." Thus, the name Theodoros translates to "gift of God."

The name Theodore was in use among Greek-speaking populations since ancient times. It was a popular name among early Christians, who associated it with the meaning "gift from God." The diminutive form Teddy emerged in the 19th century as an affectionate nickname for Theodore.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Teddy was in reference to Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. Born in 1858, he was affectionately known as "Teddy" from a young age, and the nickname stuck throughout his life. The popularity of the name Teddy surged after Roosevelt's presidency, as he became a national icon.

Another famous bearer of the name Teddy was Teddy Wilson, an American jazz pianist born in 1912. He was a prominent figure in the swing era and worked with legendary musicians like Benny Goodman and Billie Holiday.

Teddy Pendergrass, born in 1950, was an influential American singer and songwriter known for his deep baritone voice and contributions to the Philadelphia soul music scene.

In the world of literature, Teddy Wayne is an American novelist and memoirist born in 1971. His works explore themes of identity, masculinity, and modern culture.

Teddy Riner, born in 1989, is a French judoka who has won numerous Olympic and World Championship titles, making him one of the most successful athletes in the sport's history.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Teddy. While it originated as a diminutive of Theodore, the name Teddy has become a distinct and beloved name in its own right, carrying connotations of warmth, affection, and endearment.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Teddy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Teddy, please contact us.

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