Theodore — Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Theodore is a boys' name of Greek origin, meaning "gift of God". Theodore Roosevelt's vigor plus Teddy's warmth — a president's name with a teddy bear's nickname.

Style & feel. With classic and royal on its style card, Theodore sits comfortably in the modern naming landscape — familiar enough that nobody misreads it, distinctive enough that your child won't share it with three classmates. At 3 syllables, it flows across most middle-name combinations and survives every life stage from playground to résumé.

Pairing ideas. Theodore pairs naturally with one- and two-syllable middles (Oliver, Henry share its sound-world). If you like Theodore, you'll probably also love Oliver, Henry, Leo — same era, same energy, same bone structure.