Find out how popular the first name Theda has been for the last 48 years (from 1974 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Theda by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Theda is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Theda.

The history of the first name Theda

The name Theda is a feminine given name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "theodoros," which means "gift of God." It was first recorded in ancient Greek literature and texts from the classical period.

The earliest known bearer of the name Theda was a Greek woman who lived in the 5th century BC, mentioned in the writings of the ancient Greek historian Herodotus. The name gained popularity in the Byzantine era, particularly among Christians who associated it with the divine.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Theda was a Christian martyr from the 3rd century AD. Saint Theda was a young woman who was executed for her faith during the persecution of Christians under the Roman Emperor Diocletian.

In the Middle Ages, the name Theda was relatively uncommon but was still used in some parts of Europe, particularly in regions with Greek cultural influences, such as Italy and parts of the Balkans.

One of the most famous bearers of the name Theda in modern times was Theda Bara, an American silent film actress who was born Theodosia Burr Goodman in 1885 and died in 1955. She was a prominent figure in early Hollywood and is considered one of the first actresses to be promoted as a sex symbol.

Another notable Theda was Theda Skocpol, an American sociologist and political scientist born in 1947. She is known for her work on social revolutions and her contributions to the field of comparative historical analysis.

In the 20th century, the name Theda also gained some popularity in Germany and other parts of Europe, likely due to the influence of Greek culture and mythology. One example is Theda Helene Bara, a German actress born in 1940 who appeared in several films and television shows.

Overall, while not a very common name in modern times, Theda has a rich history and cultural significance, particularly in its connections to ancient Greek heritage and Christianity.

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 Theda was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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