All about the name

Teddy

Female

« Teddy is an English name derived from Theodore, meaning 'gift of God', popularized by the teddy bear named after President Theodore Roosevelt. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Teddy is a name of English origin that has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is derived from the medieval given name Theodore, which means "gift of God" in Greek. The name Teddy is a diminutive form of Theodore and has been used as an independent given name since the late 19th century. The use of Teddy as a given name gained popularity during the Victorian era when it was often used as a nickname for young boys named Theodore. However, it was not until the late 19th century that Teddy began to be used as an independent given name in its own right. This is thought to have been influenced by the popularity of the teddy bear, which was named after President Theodore Roosevelt. The teddy bear was created by Morris Michtom in 1902 and became a huge success with children around the world. Its association with the name Teddy helped to popularize the use of the name as an independent given name. Today, Teddy is often used as a given name for boys and has also become increasingly popular as a unisex name. In recent years, there have been several notable individuals named Teddy, including American singer-songwriter Teddy Geiger and British actor Teddy Sears. Despite its origins and associations with the teddy bear, the name Teddy remains a strong and independent name in its own right. Its meaning, "gift of God," adds to its appeal as a meaningful and powerful name choice for boys or unisex individuals.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Teddy since 1880

Total births
1,674
Total since 1880
Peak year
2023
62 births
in 2023
62
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+239%
vs previous 5 years