Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Theodore

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. More modern name bearers are Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th U.S. President; Theodore Dreiser, novelist; Theodore Roethke, the 20th century American poet; and Theodore “Ted” Williams, baseball Hall of Famer.

All About the Baby Name – Theodore

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME THEODORE

The number Nine personality represents the completion or ending of the cycle, and a need for perfection. This is the personality that moves from "self" to a greater understanding and compassion for the human condition and the world order. They want to make the world a better place. Nines are capable of great spiritual and humanitarian achievements. They are courageous and fearless, able to fight great battles on behalf of worthy causes. These personalities will not tolerate injustice. They are compassionate people with a strong sensitivity to others. They are able to both educate and inspire. Friendships and relationships are the lifeblood to the Nine, and they place a high value on love and affection. Nines are often exceptionally gifted artistically, and they have a keen imagination and enterprising mind.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME THEODORE

Theodore has enjoyed relatively high usage in the United States since the government began tracking naming trends in 1880. In fact, the height of the name’s popularity was around the turn of the 20th century. Theodore was a Top 50 choice for boys in the first decade of the 1900s. The name fell off the Top 100 list of most favored boy names by mid-century (1945), and has shown a downward trend since then, albeit slowly. Today, the name is squarely in the Top 300 with only moderate usage. Theodore is flexible in terms of pet forms and can be shortened to Ted, Teddy or Theo. As an ancient Greek name, it’s one of the few that has been time-tested and has demonstrated some serious staying-power. We would consider this name a bit old-fashioned, but supremely handsome and dignified nonetheless. Just like the name Matthew means “God’s gift” from Hebrew, so too does Theodore from the Greeks. No matter who you consider your God to be, we are pretty certain you consider your little baby boy a “gift”.

Quick Facts

ON THEODORE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

French

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

170

PRONUNCIATION:

THEE-ә-dawr

SIMPLE MEANING:

God’s gift

Characteristics

OF THEODORE

Multi-talented

Intuitive

Oneness

Idealistic

Philanthropy

Independent

Perfection

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Theodore

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME THEODORE

Theodore “Laurie” Laurence is the neighbor of the March family in Louisa May Alcott’s Little Women, published in 1868/69. He is quite a catch, being charming, handsome and rich, but for some mysterious reason, Jo turns down his proposal of marriage, preferring his platonic friendship. Of course, as we all know, Jo’s future harbors the affable German professor, but not to worry – Mr. Laurence does not go to waste. Naturally, he passes his attentions on to the youngest (and vainest) sister, Amy. She’s no fool – she accepts him, and they marry and live happily ever-for-a- little-while-anyway.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME THEODORE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Theodore


Popular Songs

ON THEODORE

Theodore
a song by Ghostface Killah [explicit]

Famous People

NAMED THEODORE

Theodore Roosevelt (U.S. President)
Theodore Roethke (poet)
Théodore Rousseau (French painter)
Theodore Dreiser (American novelist)
Theodore Geisel (aka Dr. Seuss/children’s book author)
Théodore Géricault (French painter)
Theodore Kaczynski (American “Unabomber”)
Theodore Anthony "Ted" Nugent (musician)
Theodore Sturgeon (sci-fi author)
Theodore Samuel “Ted” Williams (baseball player)
Theodore Shaw "Teddy" Wilson (jazz pianist)

Children of Famous People

NAMED THEODORE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Theodore

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME THEODORE

There’s no two ways about it: Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt was one of the greatest American Presidents of all time. Elected at the age of 43, he became (at that time) the youngest man ever elected to the High Office and the 26th President of this great country. He is most known for his strength of character, progressive reforms and strong foreign policies. He considerably broadened the executive powers and arguably changed the Oval Office forever. Born into a wealthy family in New York, poor Teddy suffered from asthma and weak health as a child. After overcoming his ailments through disciplined exercise and determination, Roosevelt would go on to lead a strenuous, courageous and adventurous life. He was a stand-out hero during the Spanish-American War which gave way to his political life. He ascended the Presidency accidentally when McKinley was shot, but he took to the challenge with his typical zest and flair. He once famously uttered these words: “Speak softly and carry a big stick, and you will go far.” Roosevelt made many enemies as the “Trust-busting” president (breaking up railroad and corporate monopolies). He is also notable for the construction of the Panama Canal, mediating the Russo-Japanese War and for his substantial environmental conservations. Lackluster politicians of our day could stand to learn a few lessons from this great man.