Holding steady.
Popularity of Thecla since 1888
Babies named Thecla per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Thecla's real moment was 1895.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5 |
| 1890s | 19 |
| 1900s | 27 |
| 1910s | 96 |
| 1920s | 64 |
| 1930s | 31 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 23 |
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 5 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Thecla is a rare and historically rich name with deep Christian roots. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1888 and reached its peak usage in 1895, when it ranked #735 with 21 births. Since the 1890s, its usage has been stable but extremely low, with no recorded births in recent decades. The name's association with Saint Thecla, a 1st-century Christian figure and follower of Saint Paul, gives it a strong religious significance. Despite its rarity, Thecla remains a distinctive and evocative choice, echoing the ancient world. It was never common in the United States and has no top states of usage, reflecting its niche appeal.
Thecla is derived from the Greek name Theokleia, composed of theos (god) and kleos (glory), thus meaning 'glory of God.' It is best known from Saint Thecla, a 1st-century Christian saint and follower of Saint Paul, whose apocryphal Acts made her a popular figure in early Christianity. The name was used in the Eastern Roman Empire and later revived in the West, particularly in the 19th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Theck, Thekie
Sibling names for Thecla
Names that share Thecla's style, for a brother or sister.
