Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Teddy
BoyEnglish· “short for Theodore or Edward”
- Meaning
- short for Theodore or Edward
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- TED-ee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #823
- US babies 2025
- 301
- Best rank
- #239 (1933)
- Peak year
- 1949
Meaning and origin of Teddy
Teddy is an English name that means “short for Theodore or Edward”.
Teddy is a pet form of Theodore, from Greek elements meaning "gift of God," and of Edward, from Old English words meaning "rich guardian." It became closely tied to President Theodore Roosevelt, whose nickname inspired the teddy bear after a famous hunting story. That association gives the name a warm, cuddly feel. Once mainly a nickname, Teddy is now often chosen as a full given name for its friendly, vintage charm. It works equally well as a short form for Theodore, Edward or Edmund.
Other spellings with the same sound: Teddie.
Popularity over time
Teddy first appears in US Social Security records in 1890. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 100 different years, starting in 1890. Its best national rank was #239 in 1933, and the most babies received it in 1949, when 613 were named Teddy. In 2025, 301 babies were named Teddy, and it ranked #823 nationally. That is 231% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #387 in 1920, #289 in 1950, #542 in 1980, #1,407 in 2000, #2,005 in 2010, and #823 in 2025. Of the 33,627 US boys named Teddy since records began, 16% were born in the 1950s, its biggest decade. The 1960s come next, with 5,280 babies. Since 2010, 2,134 more have been named Teddy.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Sherman, Rodger, Lanny, Galen, and Vaughn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Teddy ranked highest in Massachusetts, Indiana, and Wisconsin.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts | #464 | 11 |
| Indiana | #508 | 14 |
| Wisconsin | #515 | 10 |
| Michigan | #538 | 16 |
| Utah | #554 | 8 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 86% of US babies named Teddy over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Teddy is usually pronounced TED-ee, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with T and ends in “-dy”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Teddie.
Middle names for Teddy
A few middle names that flow with Teddy: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Teddy
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Lists that include Teddy
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Teddy mean?
Teddy is an English name that means “short for Theodore or Edward”.
What is the origin of the name Teddy?
Teddy has English roots. Teddy is a pet form of Theodore, from Greek elements meaning "gift of God," and of Edward, from Old English words meaning "rich guardian." It became closely tied to President Theodore Roosevelt, whose nickname inspired the teddy bear after a famous hunting story.
Is Teddy a popular name?
Yes. Teddy ranked #823 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Teddy a boy or girl name?
Teddy is mainly a boy's name. About 86% of US babies named Teddy over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Teddy?
Teddy is usually pronounced TED-ee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings