Theodor

Theodor is a traditional male first name with ancient Greek roots. It derives from Theódōros (Θεόδωρος) and can be interpreted as 'gift of God.'

What does the name Theodor mean?

Theodor is an ancient Greek male first name that derives from Theódōros (Θεόδωρος) and means 'gift of God.' It is composed of the ancient Greek terms theós (θεός), meaning 'God,' and dôron (δῶρον), meaning 'gift' or 'offering.' The name has a long history and is particularly known through the saints Theodor Tiro and Theodor Stratelates from the 4th century, who died as martyrs as Roman soldiers and are venerated in Christian tradition. Theodor was also borne by several popes and important religious figures, as well as numerous rulers in the Middle Ages. Until the mid-20th century, the name was quite common in Germany and can today be considered typically old German, just like the short form Theo. Both variants fell into obscurity starting in the 1960s, but are now experiencing a renaissance as baby names, with the short form Theo being particularly popular. An alternative spelling is Teodor, which is less common. In the Greek language, the form Theodorus can be found, while in French-speaking regions, the variant Théodore and in English, Theodore as well as the short forms Teddy and Ted are common.

Where does the name Theodor come from?

The name Theodor has its roots in ancient Greek and is composed of the words theós (God) and dôron (gift, offering). The ancient Greek terms are: theós ‎(θεός) = God, divine and dôron ‎(δῶρον) = gift, offering. The name is widespread in Old German and German.

How do you pronounce Theodor?

The pronunciation of Theodor is three syllables and conveys a dignified sound. In the German language, it is usually pronounced as 'The-o-dor' [teˈoːdɔʁ], with the vowel sequence creating a wide, open sound. The dark ending syllable gives the name a certain depth and weight. Overall, Theodor radiates tradition and elegance and appears calm, strong, and present.

When is the name day of Theodor?

The name day for Theodor is celebrated on February 11 (Theodor Babilon), April 24 (Theodor Peters), August 16 (Theodor von Octodurus), September 19 (Theodor von Tarsus), November 9 (Theodor Tiro), and November 11 (Theodoros Studites).

Popularity

The first name Theodor was stable in the top 60 to top 100 from 1920 to 1968 over several decades. Particularly in the 1930s to 1950s, it regularly ranked among the most frequently given names in Germany. From the end of the 1960s, a noticeable decline began, leading to the name initially falling out of the top 100 and later out of the top 250. In the 1980s and 1990s, Theodor mostly ranked between 600 and 850.

Nicknames & pet names

Dori / Doro / Odi / Ted / Teddy / Tetje / Theo / Theoi / Theolein / Theolino

Similar first names

Famous people

• Adel Theodor Khoury (theologian from Lebanon)
• Ernst Theodor Amadeus Hoffmann (writer)
• Friedrich Theodor Fröhlich (Swiss composer)
• Gustav Theodor Gerlach (German chemist)
• Hermann Theodor Geyler (botanist from Germany)
• Karl-Theodor zu Guttenberg (Minister of Defense)
• Matthias Theodor Vogt (German writer)
• Theodor Alt (painter from Germany)
• Theodor Anton Ippen (Austrian historian)
• Theodor Benckiser (German chemist)
• Theodor Braun (theologian from Germany)
• Theodor Breitwieser (painter from Austria)
• Theodor Brugsch (American physician)
• Theodor Ernst Mommsen (historian from Germany)
• Theodor Estermann (English mathematician)
• Theodor Fontane (German writer, journalist)
• Theodor Heuss (German politician)
• Theodor Kettmann (emeritus Catholic auxiliary bishop in the Diocese of Osnabrück)
• Theodor Körner (writer)
• Theodor Kornfeld (German poet)