Find out how popular the first name Theoden has been for the last 20 years (from 2004 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Theoden by gender

Based on the last 20 years of data, Theoden is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 93 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Theoden.

The history of the first name Theoden

The name Theoden has its origins in Old English, derived from the elements "þeod" meaning "people" or "nation" and "ēn" meaning "lord" or "ruler." It dates back to the Anglo-Saxon period in Britain, around the 5th to 11th centuries AD. This name was commonly used among the ruling class and nobility of that time, reflecting the authority and leadership associated with the title "lord of the people."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Theoden can be found in the epic poem Beowulf, which is believed to have been composed between the 8th and 11th centuries. In this work, Theoden is mentioned as the name of a king of the Geats, a Germanic tribe that inhabited what is now southern Sweden.

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Theoden appeared sporadically in various historical records and chronicles, primarily in England and other parts of the British Isles. One notable bearer of the name was Theoden of Mercia, who ruled the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Mercia from around 679 to 690 AD.

In the 17th century, the name Theoden gained renewed popularity due to its inclusion in the works of the English poet John Milton. In his epic poem Paradise Lost, published in 1667, Milton used the name Theoden as a character, further contributing to its recognition and association with literary works.

Another famous figure bearing the name Theoden was Theoden Pendragon, a British historian and writer who lived from 1816 to 1891. He is best known for his works on Arthurian legends and Celtic mythology.

In more recent times, the name Theoden gained widespread recognition through its use in J.R.R. Tolkien's literary masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. In this epic fantasy novel, Theoden is the name of the King of Rohan, a valiant leader who plays a crucial role in the battle against the forces of Sauron.

While the name Theoden may not be as common in modern times, it remains a powerful and evocative name with a rich historical and literary heritage, evoking images of leadership, nobility, and the enduring legacy of the Anglo-Saxon era.

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

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

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