Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Theodora
GirlGreek· “gift of God”
- Meaning
- gift of God
- Origin
- Greek
- Pronunciation
- thee-uh-DAWR-uh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #726
- US babies 2025
- 384
- Best rank
- #506 (1908)
- Peak year
- 2022
Meaning and origin of Theodora
Theodora is a Greek name that means “gift of God”.
Theodora means gift of God, from the Greek theos, god, and doron, gift. It is the feminine of Theodore, and it has been used since the early Christian era. The Byzantine Empress Theodora, wife of Justinian I, is its most celebrated bearer and a powerful figure of the sixth century; several saints also carry the name. Theodora feels graceful, substantial and historically rich. It offers a wide choice of nicknames, including Thea, Teddy, Dora and Theo, so a child can pick the style that suits them.
Popularity over time
Theodora 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 80 different years. Its best national rank was #506 in 1908, and the most babies received it in 2022, when 426 were named Theodora. In 2025, 384 babies were named Theodora, and it ranked #726 nationally. That is 374% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #538 in 1920, #873 in 1950, #2,387 in 1980, #3,163 in 2000, #3,467 in 2010, and #726 in 2025. Of the 12,654 US girls named Theodora since records began, 18% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 1920s come next, with 1,597 babies.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Louisa, Treasure, Persephone, Zendaya, and Taytum.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Theodora ranked highest in Maine, Nebraska, and Nevada.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maine | #255 | 5 |
| Nebraska | #394 | 6 |
| Nevada | #431 | 7 |
| Connecticut | #453 | 7 |
| South Carolina | #466 | 11 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Theodora is usually pronounced thee-uh-DAWR-uh, with four syllables. It has eight letters, starts with T and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Theodora
A few middle names that flow with Theodora: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Theodora
Similar names
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Lists that include Theodora
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Theodora mean?
Theodora is a Greek name that means “gift of God”.
What is the origin of the name Theodora?
Theodora has Greek roots. Theodora means gift of God, from the Greek theos, god, and doron, gift.
Is Theodora a popular name?
Yes. Theodora ranked #726 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Theodora a boy or girl name?
Theodora is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Theodora?
Theodora is usually pronounced thee-uh-DAWR-uh. 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