Theodore is a name of Greek origin, derived from the words "theos" meaning "god" and "dorio" meaning "gift". Therefore, Theodore translates to "gift of God". This name has been used throughout history, particularly among Christians due to its religious significance.
One of the most notable historical figures with this name was Saint Theodore of Tarsus, who lived in the 7th century. He is considered a martyr by both the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church. Another famous figure is Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the United States. This demonstrates the enduring popularity and significance of the name Theodore.
The name Theodore was also used in various forms of literature and art throughout history. For instance, it appears in works such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain, where a character named Theodore ("Teddy") is portrayed. Today, Theodore continues to be popular among parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their sons. It has consistently ranked among the top 1000 boys' names in the United States since the early 20th century.
Overall, Theodore is a name with deep historical roots and significant meaning that continues to resonate today. Its enduring popularity can be attributed to its strong association with religious devotion, historical figures, and classic literature.
Theodore is a classic and timeless name that has been popular among parents for generations. According to the Social Security Administration's data on U.S. births, Theodore first gained significant popularity in the late 19th century, with over 400 births per year starting from around 1898.
In fact, between 1880 and 1930, there were fluctuations in the number of babies named Theodore each year, ranging from a low of 178 births in 1881 to a high of 3226 births in 1925. However, it wasn't until the early 1940s that Theodore truly began its rise to prominence, with over 2500 births each year from 1941 onwards.
Throughout the mid-20th century and into the late 1970s, Theodore remained a steadfast favorite among parents. During this period, there were more than 1000 babies named Theodore born annually in the United States. Although its popularity dipped slightly during the early to mid-1980s, it never truly went out of fashion.
In recent years, Theodore has experienced a resurgence in popularity. Since the late 1990s, there have been more than 900 births per year for boys named Theodore, with notable peaks occurring between 2007 and 2023. In fact, in 2022 alone, there were 11041 babies named Theodore born in the United States.
Overall, Theodore has consistently ranked among the top 500 most popular baby names for boys in the U.S., demonstrating its enduring appeal across generations. It is clear that parents continue to appreciate this classic and noble name for their sons.