Theophilus

Theophilus is a masculine first name that originates from Latin and traces back to the ancient Greek name Theophilos (Θεόφιλος). It consists of the ancient Greek words theos (θεός), meaning "God," and philos (φίλος), which means "beloved, dear, friend, or beloved one." Thus, the name is often translated as "God's friend" or "beloved of God," with interpretations such as "the friend of God" or "the one loved by God" being common.

What does the name Theophilus mean?

The name Theophilus is a Latinized variant of the Greek Theophilos (Θεόφιλος) and consists of the ancient Greek elements theos (θεός), meaning "God," and philos (φίλος), meaning "dear, beloved, friend, or beloved one." It is often translated as "God's friend" or "beloved of God," and in a looser interpretation, also as "the friend of God" or "the one loved by God." In antiquity, many rulers and clergy bore this name, and it is also found in the Bible, particularly in the New Testament, where he is mentioned as the addressee of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. Theophilus is essentially related to the German first name Gottlieb and the Latin name Amadeus. Variants of Theophilos include Teofil, Teofilo, Theofilos, Theofilus, Theophil, Théophile, and Theopil, while the feminine form is Theophila.

Where does the name Theophilus come from?

Theophilus has its roots in ancient Greek and means "the friend of God" or "the one loved by God." The composition consists of the ancient Greek words theos, meaning "God," and philos, which is used both as an adjective for "beloved, dear" and as a noun for "the friend, the beloved." The name has biblical and Latinized origins.

How do you pronounce Theophilus?

The pronunciation of Theophilus is four syllables long and features a widely spaced structure. The name is pronounced as "The-o-phi-lus" [teoˈfiːlʊs], with the open vowels creating a flowing and sustained sound that unfolds gently. The ending "-lus" gives the name a firm and slightly weighted closing note that conveys stability. Overall, Theophilus sounds melodious and cultivated - harmonious, expansive, and with a solemn, classical presence.

When is the name day of Theophilus?

The main name days for Theophilus are March 5 (Theophilus of Caesarea), May 19 (Theophilus of Corte), and October 13 (Theophilus of Antioch).

Popularity

In Germany, Theophilus is a rather rare first name. In 2022, it ranked 5,453rd on the list of the most common male first names. Its best placement was in 2019 at 2,154th. Overall, the name has been given about 30 times in the last ten years, placing it 4,458th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 4,945th.

Nicknames & pet names

Lus / Philus / Theo

Famous people

• Axel Theophilus Helsted (Danish painter)
• Billy Theophilus Rowe (Jamaican singer)
• Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfg. Theophilus (composer, better known as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart)
• Rufus Theophilus Brome (bishop)
• Theophilus Annorbaah (Ghanaian footballer)
• Theophilus Beckford (pianist from Jamaica)
• Theophilus Bird (English actor)
• Theophilus Brabourne (British writer)
• Theophilus Brown (American artist)
• Theophilus Cibber (British writer)
• Theophilus Clarke (painter from Singapore)
• Theophilus Coelestinus Piper (German theologian)
• Theophilus Earl Trim (musician from Spain)
• Theophilus Evans (historian from England)
• Theophilus Feild or Feild (British bishop)
• Theophilus Gould Steward (writer from the USA)
• Theophilus Johnson (artist from Serbia)
• Theophilus Klem (sculptor from Colmar 1948-1923)
• Theophilus London (rapper from America)
• Theophilus Musa London (musician)