Theodora
- Meaning
- Gift of God
- Origin
- Greek
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What does Theodora mean?
Theodora means “Gift of God”.
Theodora is the feminine form of Theodore, a Greek name combining words for God and a gift. Dorothea uses the same two elements in the opposite order, making it a meaningful comparison rather than merely a similar-sounding name. Theodora has a long history among saints and royal families.
The Byzantine empress Theodora, wife of Justinian, is a prominent historical bearer. Thea, Dora, and Teddy offer very different short forms, allowing the longer name to work in several everyday styles. Teodora and Feodora are related forms in other languages. The name’s substantial history comes from its own tradition, independent of modern fashion.
Nicknames & variations
Explore short forms, spellings, and related names.
Nicknames for Theodora
Short forms for everyday use.
Variations & related forms
Related forms and spellings recorded for this name.
How popular is Theodora?
United States · 2025Explore how often Theodora is used and how its ranking has changed.
- US girls rank
- #726 2025 · #1 is most popular
- Girls named Theodora
- 384 Recorded births in 2025
- Change in births
- 11.0% More than 2024
Theodora over time
United States · Girls
Recorded births
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Yearly data & usage
Rankings are calculated separately for girls and boys. The summary highlights girls, the most common recorded usage in 2025.
| Year | Usage | US rank | Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Girls | #726 | 384 |
| 2024 | Girls | #811 | 346 |
| 2023 | Girls | #778 | 363 |
| 2022 | Girls | #688 | 426 |
| 2021 | Girls | #738 | 387 |
| 2020 | Girls | #836 | 328 |
| 2019 | Girls | #853 | 314 |
| 2018 | Girls | #1,411 | 159 |
| 2017 | Girls | #1,899 | 107 |
| 2016 | Girls | #1,889 | 108 |
| 2015 | Girls | #2,315 | 81 |
| 2014 | Girls | #2,233 | 85 |
Years reflect available birth records. Missing records do not mean zero births.
Names like Theodora
Explore the connection, then save your favorites to compare.
Thea
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Goddess; also a short form with other meanings
Listed as a related name to Theodora.
Teddy
Unisex- Meaning
- Meaning depends on Theodore or Edward connection
Listed as a related name to Theodora.
Theadora
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Gift of God
Listed as a related name to Theodora.
Dorothy
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Gift of God
Shares the recorded meaning “Gift of God” with Theodora.
Dorothea
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Gift of God
Shares the recorded meaning “Gift of God” with Theodora.
Sophia
Mostly girls- Meaning
- Wisdom
Shares an origin with Theodora.
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