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Theo vs Derek

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Theo

Boy #80 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"gift of God"

Origin: Greek (theodoros)

Cultural Roots

English Greek French German American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#80
Total SSA Count
4,110
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

English American Dutch German

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#258
Total SSA Count
1,355
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

All Clear

Similar Names

Popularity Comparison

Theo Rank #80
Derek Rank #258

Theo is more popular, ranked #80 vs #258 for Derek.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Theo or Derek more popular?

Theo is more popular, ranked #80 compared to Derek at #258 in the United States.

What do Theo and Derek mean?

Theo means "gift of God" (Greek (theodoros) origin). Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin).

Are Theo and Derek boy or girl names?

Theo is primarily a boy name. Derek is primarily a boy name.

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