Theo (Theodore) - Names
Meaning of the name Theo (Theodore)
Gender:
Male
Meaning:
‘bold people’ (from Germanic: theud 'people', bald 'bold'),
‘God’s gift’ (from Greek: Theodoros)
History & etymology:
Theo is a short form of Theodore or Theobald as well as a separate name in its own right.
Theodore stems from the Greek name Theodoros, meaning ‘God’s gift’: theos 'god' and doron 'gift'. It used to be a very popular name in ancient Greece. In England, it came into common use only in the 19th century.
The name Theobald was introduced to English by the Normans. It was used alongside the already existing Old English cognates: Tibald and Tebald.
Theobald means ‘bold people’, from Germanic elements: theud 'people' and bald 'bold'.
One of a great number of possible patrons of the name Theo is St. Theodore of Canterbury. He was a 7th century priest born and educated in Tarsus. St. Theodore traveled to preach in Athens, Rome and finally Canterbury. Thanks to his good reputation and St. Adrian’s recommendation, Pope Saint Vitalian appointed Theodore the Archbishop of Canterbury.
St. Theodore’s feast day is celebrated on 19th September.
Alternative spellings & nicknames:
Diminutives:
Theodore: Ted, Teddy, Theo
Theobald: Tibby, Theo
Similar names in other languages & name days:
Austria
11th February, 16th August, 9th November: Theodor
Czech Republic
23rd October: Teodor
France
9th November: Théodore
Germany
11th February, 9th November: Theodor
Hungary
7th February: Tódor
Italy
17th March, 5th May: Teodoro
Poland
21st February, 26th March, 1st April, 20th April, 22nd April, 5th May, 20th May, 31st May, 21st June, 4th July, 27th August, 17th September, 19th September, 23rd October, 29th October, 9th November, 11th November: Teodor
Spain
22nd April, 9th November: Teodoro
1st May: Teodardo
2nd July: Teodorico, Teobaldo
Sweden
9th November: Teodor
USA
27th October: Theodore
Famous people named Theo/ Theodore:
Theodore Bikel (1925 - 2015) - Austrian actor
Theo Bradley (1993-) - American reality show star
Theo Epstein (1973-) - American entrepreneur
The van Gogh (1857 - 1891) - brother of Vincent van Gogh whom he provided with financial support
Theo Hutchcraft (1986-) - English pop singer
Theo James (1984-) - English actor
Theodore Maiman (1927 - 2007) - American scientist; inventor of functional laser
Theodore W. Richards (1868 - 1928) - American chemist awarded with Nobel Prize
Theo Riddick (1991-) - American football player
Theodore Roosevelt (1858 - 1919) - former US President
Theo Rossi (1975-) - American actor
Theo Speilberg (1988-) - American guitarist
Theo Stevenson (1998-) - English actor
Theo Walcott (1989-) - English football player
Fun facts:
Popularity (2015)
Theo
USA: 407th
England and Wales: 33rd
Northern Ireland: 54th
Scotland: 69th
Theodore
USA: 99th
England and Wales: 45th
Canada: 35th
Australia: 56th
New Zealand: 62nd
Lucky colors: green, violet
Lucky stone: Tanzanite
Ruling planet: Saturn
Characteristics: responsible, tactful, self-critical, sympathetic, tolerant