Holding steady.
Popularity of Theophile since 1880
Babies named Theophile per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1928, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Theophile's real moment was 1893.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 29 |
| 1890s | 13 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 55 |
| 1920s | 73 |
| 1930s | 26 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 6 |
| 2000s | 6 |
| 2010s | 8 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Theophile, a French form of the New Testament name Theophilus, is a classic but little-used choice. It enjoyed its highest popularity in the 1890s, ranking as high as 191 in 1893, and was given to boys steadily but rarely throughout the early 20th century. The name's trajectory is stable, though it has not experienced a revival. With roots in Greek meaning 'friend of God,' Theophile carries a distinctly Old World charm and biblical heritage. While it has never broken into the top 1000 in recent decades, it remains a recognizable and elegant option for families seeking a name with depth and history.
Theophile is the French form of Theophilus, from Greek Theophilos, derived from theos (god) and philos (friend, beloved). The name appears in the New Testament as the addressee of the Gospel of Luke and the Acts of the Apostles. It was used among early Christians and later in France, especially in the 19th century.
“Theophile” around the world
Where Theophile lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
70
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Theo
Variants: Theophilus
Sibling names for Theophile
Names that share Theophile's style, for a brother or sister.
