Declining since 2020.
Popularity of Theda since 1880
Babies named Theda per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 19 |
| 1890s | 42 |
| 1900s | 100 |
| 1910s | 1,583 |
| 1920s | 1,981 |
| 1930s | 936 |
| 1940s | 727 |
| 1950s | 599 |
| 1960s | 314 |
| 1970s | 135 |
| 1980s | 36 |
| 1990s | 39 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 29 |
| 2020s | 10 |
Meaning & origin
Theda is a name that experienced a brief spike in the United States in the early twentieth century, peaking at rank 224 in 1919. That peak coincides with the fame of actress Theda Bara, whose silent film persona made the name a household choice for a few years. After the 1920s, usage dropped steadily, and the name has since become rare. According to Social Security data, Theda has not ranked in the top 1000 since 1950, and by the early 2020s it was given to fewer than five newborns per year. Theda's trajectory has been falling since 2020, consistent with its long-term decline. Its absence from any top state lists reflects its limited geographic spread. Despite its obscurity today, Theda retains a vintage charm as one of the early twentieth century's distinctive girl names.
The name Theda most likely originated as a short form of Theodora or Theodosia, both derived from Greek elements 'theos' (god) and 'doron' (gift) or 'dosis' (giving). Its rise in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is largely attributed to the silent film actress Theda Bara (born Theodosia), whose stage persona popularized the name briefly. However, as a standalone name, its etymology remains debated and may also be a variant of the German name Theda, a short form of names beginning with 'Theud-' (people).
Where Theda is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Teddy, Thee
Sibling names for Theda
Names that share Theda's style, for a brother or sister.
