Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Theo
BoyGreek· “short for Theodore, gift of God”
- Meaning
- short for Theodore, gift of God
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- THEE-oh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #82
- US babies 2025
- 3,945
- Best rank
- #78 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Theo
Theo is a Greek name that means “short for Theodore, gift of God”.
Theo is a short form of Theodore, from the Greek Theodoros, meaning "gift of God," though it can also shorten Theodoric, Theophilus or other names beginning with the Greek theos, "god." It has long been used as a nickname and is now a popular given name in its own right. Theo van Gogh, the art dealer and devoted brother of Vincent van Gogh, is one of the best known historical bearers, remembered through their letters. The name is short, friendly and energetic, and it feels both classic and fresh. You can always put Theodore on the birth certificate if you want a formal option.
Popularity over time
Theo has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 78 different years. Its best national rank was #78 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 4,140 babies. In 2025, 3,945 babies were named Theo, and it ranked #82 nationally. That is 416% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #645 in 1920, #1,122 in 1950, #1,651 in 1980, #1,289 in 2000, #918 in 2010, and #82 in 2025. Of the 35,830 US boys named Theo since records began, 58% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 8,189 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Walker, Micah, Gael, Enzo, and Amir.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Theo ranked highest in Hawaii, Massachusetts, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii | #27 | 23 |
| Massachusetts | #41 | 138 |
| Utah | #49 | 83 |
| Connecticut | #53 | 61 |
| Iowa | #59 | 55 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Theo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Theo is usually pronounced THEE-oh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with T and ends in “-eo”.
Middle names for Theo
A few middle names that flow with Theo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Theo
Similar names
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Lists that include Theo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Theo mean?
Theo is a Greek name that means “short for Theodore, gift of God”.
What is the origin of the name Theo?
Theo has Greek roots. Theo is a short form of Theodore, from the Greek Theodoros, meaning "gift of God," though it can also shorten Theodoric, Theophilus or other names beginning with the Greek theos, "god." It has long been used as a nickname and is now a popular given name in its own right.
Is Theo a popular name?
Yes. Theo ranked #82 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Theo a boy or girl name?
Theo is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Theo over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Theo?
Theo is usually pronounced THEE-oh. 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