All about the name

Teofil

Male

« Teofil is a rare Greek name meaning 'lover of God' or 'friend of God', derived from the elements 'theos' (god) and 'philos' (loving/friend). It has historic biblical roots but gained popularity in medieval Europe as an alternative to Theodore or Philip. Today, it's mainly used in Poland as Teofil. Despite its rarity, it carries a powerful message of devotion to God. »

#19474 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Teophil is a name of Greek origin, derived from the Greek word "theophilia," which means "love of God." It is composed of two elements: "theos," meaning "god," and "philos," meaning "loving" or "friend." Thus, Teophil can be translated as "lover of God" or "friend of God." The name Teophil has a rich history that dates back to ancient times. In the Bible, it is mentioned as one of the names of the prophet Elijah in the Book of Kings (1 Kings 17:21). However, it was not widely used as a given name until much later. In medieval Europe, Teophil became popular among Christians who were looking for unique and meaningful names for their children. It was often used as an alternative to more common names like Theodore or Philip, which also mean "gift of God" and "lover of horses," respectively. Over time, Teophil has been adapted into various forms and spellings in different languages and cultures. In Poland, for example, it is commonly spelled "Teofil." In Russia, it may appear as "Tefan" or "Tefon." Despite its historical significance and unique meaning, Teophil remains relatively rare today. However, those who bear this name can take pride in knowing that they carry a name with deep roots in history and a powerful message of devotion to God. In conclusion, Teophil is a name of Greek origin that translates to "lover of God" or "friend of God." With its rich historical background and meaningful significance, it is truly a unique and special name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Teofil since 1880

Total births
68
Total since 1880
Peak year
1916
14 births
in 1926
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years