"to set, to place, to establish"
Origin: Ancient Greek
Language: Greek
Theseus
Pronunciation: [ th-EEZ-ee-uhs ]
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The legendary Athenian king who slew the Minotaur
Greek
English
Classical
Bold
Literary
Strong
Vintage
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"one who sets things right"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: Greek
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The Story of Theseus
Theseus (Θησεύς) comes from the Greek verb 'tithemi' meaning 'to set' or 'to place,' suggesting one who sets things right or establishes order. In Greek mythology, Theseus was the legendary founder-king of Athens, son of either the mortal Aegeus or the god Poseidon. He is best known for slaying the Minotaur in the Labyrinth of Crete with the help of Ariadne.
Theseus remains extremely rare as a given name, primarily used by classically-minded parents who love Greek mythology. The rise of mythological names like Orion, Perseus, and Atlas has created a renewed interest in ancient Greek heroes as name sources.
Theseus was the national hero of Athens, the city that gave birth to democracy, philosophy, and drama. The 'Ship of Theseus' is one of philosophy's most famous thought experiments about identity and change. His name is embedded in Western intellectual culture.
Historical Record
Theseus first appeared in US Social Security records in 2010.
Over 423 babies have been named Theseus in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Theseus is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,732 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The 'Ship of Theseus' paradox (if all parts are replaced, is it still the same ship?) has been debated by philosophers for over 2,000 years
- Theseus is credited by ancient Greeks with creating the synoikismos (unification) of Attica into the city-state of Athens
Theseus in Other Languages
Greek
Θησεύς
Latin
Theseus
French
Thésée
Italian
Teseo
Spanish
Teseo
Popularity Over Time
#3,732
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Theseus
T
Names You Might Also Love
See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #3,732
- Total SSA Count
- 30
- Cultural Origins
- Greek English Classical
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Theo
Seo
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Theseus
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Theseus
What does the name Theseus mean?
"to set, to place, to establish" (from Ancient Greek). "one who sets things right" (from Greek mythology). Theseus (Θησεύς) comes from the Greek verb 'tithemi' meaning 'to set' or 'to place,' suggesting one who sets things right or establishes order. In Greek mythology, Theseus was the legendary founder-king of Athens, son of either the mortal Aegeus or the god Poseidon. He is best known for slaying the Minotaur in the Labyrinth of Crete with the help of Ariadne.
What is the origin of the name Theseus?
Theseus has Ancient Greek, Greek mythology, Greek, English, and Classical origins. In Ancient Greek, it means "to set, to place, to establish". In Greek mythology, it means "one who sets things right".
Is Theseus a boy or girl name?
Theseus is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Theseus?
Theseus is pronounced th-EEZ-ee-uhs.
How popular is the name Theseus?
Theseus is currently ranked #3732 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Theseus?
Common nicknames for Theseus include Theo and Seo.
What are good middle names for Theseus?
Popular middle name pairings include Theseus Ajax, Theseus Leon, Theseus James, Theseus Cole, Theseus Atlas, and Theseus Rex.
What are good sibling names for Theseus?
Names that pair well with Theseus as siblings include Orion, Perseus, Achilles, Penelope, Ariadne, and Calliope.
How many syllables does Theseus have?
Theseus has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Theseus a common or rare name?
Theseus is an uncommon name, ranked #3732 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Theseus
Theseus is a boy name with Greek, English, and Classical origins . The name means "to set, to place, to establish" in Ancient Greek .
Theseus is currently ranked #3,732 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Theseus has 3 syllables and is pronounced th-EEZ-ee-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Theseus include Theo and Seo. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis