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

Popularity of Theodor by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Theodor is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 86 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Theodor.

The history of the first name Theodor

The name Theodor has its origins in the ancient Greek language, derived from the words "theos" meaning "god" and "doron" meaning "gift." It translates to "gift of God" or "divine gift." This name has a rich historical lineage, spanning across various cultures and time periods.

The earliest recorded instances of the name can be traced back to the Byzantine Empire, where it was commonly used among Greek-speaking Christians. It gained popularity as a masculine name due to its religious connotations and association with piety and virtue.

In the Middle Ages, the name Theodor was widely adopted across Europe, particularly in Germanic and Slavic regions. Variations such as Theodor, Theodoros, Theodorus, and Theodor emerged, reflecting the linguistic adaptations of different cultures.

Notable historical figures who bore the name Theodor include Theodor of Tarsus (602-690), an Archbishop of Canterbury and a leading figure in the English church during the 7th century. Theodor Studites (759-826) was a Byzantine Greek monk, theologian, and reformer, known for his influential role in the revival of monasticism in the Eastern Orthodox Church.

During the Renaissance period, Theodor Zwinger (1533-1588) was a Swiss scholar and physician who made significant contributions to the fields of medicine and botany. Theodor de Bry (1528-1598), a Flemish engraver and publisher, is renowned for his detailed illustrations and documentation of the early European exploration of the Americas.

In the realm of literature, Theodor Fontane (1819-1898) was a German novelist and poet, celebrated for his works that captured the social and cultural landscapes of 19th-century Prussia. Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904-1991), better known as Dr. Seuss, was an American children's author and illustrator, whose whimsical and imaginative books have delighted generations of readers worldwide.

Other notable individuals with the name Theodor include Theodor Mommsen (1817-1903), a German historian and writer who won the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work on Roman history, and Theodor Herzl (1860-1904), an Austro-Hungarian journalist and political activist, widely recognized as the founder of modern political Zionism.

The name Theodor has transcended cultural boundaries and historical eras, carrying with it a rich tapestry of religious, literary, and intellectual significance. Its enduring popularity serves as a testament to the universal appeal of names that evoke divine blessings and spiritual connotations.

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

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

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