Theo

What does the baby name Theo mean? Learn about what Theo means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Theo - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Theo
T-H-E-O, is a 4-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Theo
THEE o
Meaning of Theo
Divine gift, god's present, god, gift of god.
Origin of Theo
The name 'Theo' has its roots in ancient Greece. It is a shortened form of the Greek name 'Theo'doros, which is derived from the words 'theos', meaning 'god', and 'doron', meaning 'gift'. Therefore, the name 'Theo' can be interpreted as 'gift of God' or 'God's gift'. This beautiful meaning has resonated with parents throughout history, making 'Theo' a popular choice for their little bundles of joy.
English Names
Greek Names
Pet Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Theo
Dietbald
Dietbold
Dirck
Dirk
Fedar
Fedinka
Fedor
Fedya
Feodor
Fyodor
Teador
Ted
Teddy
Tedor
Teobaldo
Teobalt
Teodoro
Thebaud
Thebault
Thebaut
Theobald
Theodore
Theodorus
Theodosios
Thibaud
Thibault
Thibaut
Tibold
Tiebold
Tiebout
Todor
Tudor
Tybald
Tybalt
Tybault
Popularity of Theo
The popularity of the name 'Theo' has seen its fair share of fluctuations over time. In the early 20th century, it experienced a decline in usage, but it regained its charm and popularity in recent years. In fact, according to the Social Security Administration's data, the name 'Theo' has been steadily rising in popularity since the 1990s. It reached its peak in 2019, ranking 247th in the list of most popular names for boys in the United States.
Theo currently has 290 likes, and is in the top 2% of liked boy's names. The name Fred is slightly more popular than Theo.

Etymology of Theo

As mentioned earlier, the name 'Theo' is derived from the Greek name 'Theo'doros. The Greek word 'theos' refers to God, while 'doron' means gift. This etymology highlights the belief that children are precious gifts bestowed upon their parents. It also reflects the ancient Greek culture's strong connection to spirituality and the divine.

Cultural Significance of Theo

The name 'Theo' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Greek mythology, there is a notable figure named 'Theo'phile, whose name shares the same root as 'Theo'. 'Theo'phile was a legendary poet and musician who was said to have received divine inspiration. This connection to creativity and artistry adds an extra layer of cultural significance to the name 'Theo'.