Theo: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Theo mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Greek: Divine gift; gift of God
English: God’s gift
German: Bold or bold people

Gender: Female, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Theo is pronounced THEE-oh

The name Theo has its roots in ancient Greek, where it means "divine gift." It is a shortened form of Theodore, which combines theos ("god") and doron ("gift"). Over time, Theo has been embraced as a standalone name, appreciated for its simplicity and strong cultural heritage. In English-speaking countries, it is often interpreted to mean "God’s gift."

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Theo mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Greek: Divine gift; gift of God
English: God’s gift
German: Bold or bold people

Gender: Male, unisex

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Theo is pronounced THEE-oh

The name Theo has roots in Greek origin, derived from the Greek word theos meaning God. It is commonly used as a short form of Theodore or Theophilus, both of which carry the meaning "gift of God." Theo has been a timeless choice, symbolizing divine gift and has retained popularity in various cultures throughout history. It is a diminutive of both Theodore and Theobald.

Boy name variations

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Patricia Neal

Roald Dahl

Steven Spielberg

Theo in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Theo Raeken from Teen Wolf - A chimera and werewolf who is manipulative and cunning.
Theo Galavan from Gotham - A billionaire industrialist with a dark agenda.
Theo Faron from Children of Men - A disillusioned bureaucrat in a dystopian future.
Theo Sipowicz from NYPD Blue - The son of the main character, Andy Sipowicz.
Theo Decker from The Goldfinch - A young boy who survives a tragedy and battles with pain and loss.
Theo Crain from The Haunting of Hill House - A child psychologist with psychic abilities who has the ability to glean information through touch, struggling with her haunted past.

Popularity of the Name Theo

According to Social Security Administration data, Theo has seen a rise in popularity, consistently climbing the ranks in recent years. As of 2023, it is among the top 200 most popular names in the U.S.

Historically, Theo is a short form of Theodore, which means "divine gift" in Greek. The name has been borne by many notable figures, including President Theodore Roosevelt, writer Theodore Dreiser, and was the name of Vincent Van Gogh's supportive brother. In the entertainment world, Theo James is a well-known actor, famous for his role in the Divergent series. Additionally, the name Theo has appeared in various fictional works, such as the character Theo Huxtable in the beloved TV series The Cosby Show.