Theo

Theo is short for Theodore (like Ted or Teddy). Theodore comes from the Greek name Theodōros which is derived from the elements “theos” (meaning “God”) and “dōron” (meaning “gift”); therefore meaning “God’s gift”. The use of the name Theodōros dates back to ancient Greece and was borne by notable inventors, mathematicians, philosophers and rulers in the centuries before Christ. Later, the name spread mainly throughout Eastern Europe influenced by the Byzantium Empire and became quite popular among early Christians of the Eastern Orthodox Church. There are scores of saints named Theodore and two Roman Catholic popes. In Russia, the name is usually rendered Fyodor and is among the most popular of Slavic nations. The French eventually adopted the name as Théodore and the English began regularly using the name by the 19th century. Interestingly, Theodore of Tarsus was the 8th Archbishop of Canterbury dating back to 7th century England. Born a Byzantine Greek, he was sent from Rome to England where he instituted many church reforms and established the Canterbury School. However, “Theodore” was not adopted as a western name until centuries later. Theo developed as a pet form which has become an independently given name in its own right. It could also be considered a nickname for girls names Theodora.