Teddy is a name of English origin, derived from the Germanic name Theodore, which means "gift of God." It has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages but was not particularly popular until the late 19th and early 20th centuries when it became fashionable among American families.
The name Teddy gained significant popularity during this period due in part to its association with President Theodore Roosevelt. Born on October 27, 1858, Roosevelt was the 26th president of the United States from 1901 to 1909. He was known for his adventurous spirit and rugged persona, which earned him the nickname "Teddy" among friends and family members.
The name Teddy also became popular because it was seen as a more familiar and friendly version of Theodore. It was often used as a nickname or diminutive form of the full name but eventually gained recognition as a standalone given name in its own right.
Today, Teddy remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their son a strong yet approachable name with a rich history behind it. According to data from the Social Security Administration, Teddy has consistently ranked among the top 1000 boys' names in the United States since the early 2000s.
In addition to its association with President Roosevelt, the name Teddy is also famous for being the inspiration behind the popular stuffed animal known as a "teddy bear." The story goes that while on a hunting trip in Mississippi in 1902, Roosevelt refused to shoot a young bear cub, earning him the nickname "Teddy" and inspiring Brooklyn toy shop owner Morris Michtom to create his now-famous teddy bear in his honor.
While Teddy may have originated as a masculine name, it has also been used occasionally for girls since the late 19th century. However, it remains much more commonly used as a boy's name today. Overall, Teddy is a classic yet approachable name with a long history and rich cultural significance behind it.
Teddy is a popular name that has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States. Between 1890 and 1973, it experienced a steady increase in usage, peaking at 292 births in 1924. However, from 1974 onwards, there was a significant decrease in its popularity, with only 219 births recorded in 2023.
The name Teddy reached its highest point of popularity in the United States during the early 20th century. In 1924, it was given to 292 newborns, marking a significant increase from previous years. This trend continued until 1973, with the name remaining relatively popular among parents.
However, since 1974, there has been a notable decrease in the number of babies named Teddy each year. In 2023, only 219 newborns were given this name, indicating that it is now much less common than it once was.
Despite this decline, it is essential to note that the total number of births in the United States has increased significantly over time. Therefore, even though Teddy may not be as popular today compared to its peak in the early 20th century, it still accounted for a notable number of newborns in recent years, with 167 births recorded in 2021 and 212 births in 2022.
In conclusion, while Teddy was once a highly popular name in the United States, its popularity has waned since the mid-20th century. However, it remains a name with historical significance and continues to be chosen by parents today, albeit at a much lower rate than before.