Rising since 1991, #725 for girls today.
Popularity of Theodora since 1880
Babies named Theodora per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 107 |
| 1890s | 220 |
| 1900s | 342 |
| 1910s | 994 |
| 1920s | 1,597 |
| 1930s | 1,099 |
| 1940s | 1,411 |
| 1950s | 1,041 |
| 1960s | 715 |
| 1970s | 436 |
| 1980s | 428 |
| 1990s | 457 |
| 2000s | 447 |
| 2010s | 1,126 |
| 2020s | 2,234 |
Meaning & origin
Theodora has seen a steady revival since 1991, reaching its peak rank of 725 in 2025. This marks a remarkable trajectory for a name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1880. It is most popular in states like Maine, Nebraska, and Nevada, suggesting a broad yet understated appeal. The name's Greek roots and meaning 'Gift of God' have given it enduring charm, while nicknames like Thea and Dora offer versatile options. As a rising classic, Theodora offers a blend of historical depth and modern elegance without being overused.
Theodora is the feminine form of Theodore, derived from the Greek elements "theos" (god) and "doron" (gift). It was borne by several early Christian saints and was common in the Byzantine Empire. The name has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, often in royal or aristocratic families.
Where Theodora 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.
“Theodora” around the world
Where Theodora lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
35
babies in 2024
Ireland
5
babies in 2025
Quebec
5
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Thea, Dora, Teddy, Dory
Variants: Teodora
Sibling names for Theodora
Names that share Theodora's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Cecilia, Matilda, Elena, Julia, Beatrice, Christianna, Philomena, Willetta, Sophronia, Aldora, Anastazia, Athanasia, Berneta, Constantina, Dorathea, Equilla, Eudelia, Eufemia, Euphemia, Evangelia, Konstantina, Ladora, Lazaria, Ledora, Zenovia, Apolonia, Dimitria, Eusebia, Eustolia, Luvinia, Madora, Markella, Theona, Willoughby, Arsenia, Artemisia, Basilia, Berenis, Euretha, Eustacia, Hermenia, Janora, Leomia, Levora, Paraskevi, Philena, Syvilla, Timothea, Vasilia
Brothers: Sebastian, Julian, Theodore, Augustus, Felix, Constantine, Cyril, Demetrious, Demetrius, Roosevelt, Bartholomew, Demetrios, Ignatius, Isidore, Josephus, Theophilus, Vasilios, Sabas, Thadeus, Alexios, Aristides, Demetrie, Kyrillos, Roosvelt, Symeon, Theophil, Theopolis, Boniface, Demetrias, Philopater, Athanasius, Dionis, Erasmus, Macarius, Stephanos, Thaddeaus, Theodoro, Timotheus
