Theodora

Theodora is the feminine form of the ancient Greek name Theódōros (Θεόδωρος). This is composed of the ancient Greek words theós, meaning "God, divine", and dôron, meaning "gift, present". Thus, the name means "gift of God".

What does the name Theodora mean?

Theodora is the feminine variant of the ancient Greek name Theódōros (Θεόδωρος). It is composed of the ancient Greek terms theós for "God, divine" and dôron for "gift, present", leading to the meaning "gift of God". This first name was already widespread in antiquity, and numerous female rulers, nobles, and clergy bore it. In the Catholic and Orthodox Church, several saints named Theodora are also known. Today, the name is primarily used in German and English-speaking areas as the female counterpart to Theodor or Theodore, but it is not very common overall. International variations of Theodora include Fedora, Feodora, Fjodora, Teodora, and Theodoria. Additionally, the reversed forms Dorothea and Theodosia, which carry the same meaning, are related to it. Popular short forms include Dora and Thea.

Where does the name Theodora come from?

The name Theodora has its roots in ancient Greek and carries the meaning "gift of God".

How do you pronounce Theodora?

The pronunciation of Theodora consists of four syllables and has a wide-ranging sound. In the German language, the name is usually pronounced as "Te-o-do-ra" [teoˈdoːʁa]. It begins with a clear E sound that conveys a certain freshness. The stressed syllable "-do-" with a long O gives depth to the sound. The open final "a" ensures a harmonious conclusion. Overall, Theodora thus appears classic and elegant - feminine, timeless, and expressive.

When is the name day of Theodora?

The most significant name days for Theodora are February 11 (Theodora the Younger), April 28 (Theodora of Alexandria), and August 29 (Theodora of Thessaloniki).

Popularity

In Germany, Theodora is a fairly popular first name. Currently, it ranks 776th on the list of the most common female baby names. Its best placement was in 2016, when it reached 546th place. In the last ten years, Theodora has been given as a first name about 660 times, placing it 683rd in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 732nd.

Nicknames & pet names

Dora / Dorel / Dori / Teddy / Thea / Thee / Theo / Thora

Similar first names

Famous people

• Efua Theodora Sutherland (British writer)
• Ottilie Frieda Theodora Kaysel (German painter)
• Theodora Cormontan (Norwegian pianist)
• Theodora Dimova (Bulgarian writer)
• Theodora Drakou (swimmer from Greece)
• Theodora Duncan (character from the series "My Sister Charlie")
• Theodora Elisabeth Vollmöller (German writer)
• Theodora Giareni (Greek swimmer)
• Theodora Hantos (Hungarian historian)
• Theodora Justinian (wife of Emperor Justinian)
• Theodora Keogh (American writer)
• Theodora Korte (German writer)
• Theodora Lisle Prankerd (British botanist)
• Theodora Morse (American composer)
• Theodora Richards (daughter of Rolling Stones guitarist Keith Richards and supermodel Patti Hansen from the 1970s. She is a well-known model herself.)
• Theodora Rose Williams (daughter of musician Robbie Williams and actress Ayda Field)
• Theodora Salusbury (artist from India)
• Theodora Skipitares (American artist)
• Theodora von Fiedler-Wurzbach (theater actress from Germany)
• Theodora of Greece and Denmark (Princess of Greece and Denmark, second daughter of King Constantine II and Queen Anne-Marie of Greece)