Ian vs Theo

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Ian

Boy #75 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"God is gracious"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Cultural Roots

Scottish British Irish American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#75
Total SSA Count
4,547
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Ian →

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
Full profile for Theo →

Popularity Comparison

Ian Rank #75
Theo Rank #80

Ian is more popular, ranked #75 vs #80 for Theo.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Ian ___

  • Ian James
  • Ian Michael
  • Ian Thomas
  • Ian Robert
  • Ian William
  • Ian Andrew

Theo ___

  • Theo James
  • Theo William
  • Theo Alexander
  • Theo Samuel
  • Theo Felix
  • Theo August

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Ian

Fiona Alasdair Colin Freya Eoin

If you choose Theo

Oliver Felix Eleanor Beatrice Arthur

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Ian or Theo more popular?

Ian is more popular, ranked #75 compared to Theo at #80 in the United States.

What do Ian and Theo mean?

Ian means "God is gracious" (Scottish Gaelic origin). Theo means "gift of God" (Greek (theodoros) origin).

Are Ian and Theo boy or girl names?

Ian is primarily a boy name. Theo is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: Ian ← Full profile: Theo Browse all baby names