Ian vs Theodore

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 →

Popularity Comparison

Ian Rank #75
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #75 for Ian.

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

Theodore ___

  • Theodore James
  • Theodore William
  • Theodore Alexander
  • Theodore John
  • Theodore Henry
  • Theodore Arthur

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Ian

Fiona Alasdair Colin Freya Eoin

If you choose Theodore

Olivia Charlotte Amelia Eleanor Oliver

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 Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Ian at #75 in the United States.

What do Ian and Theodore mean?

Ian means "God is gracious" (Scottish Gaelic origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Ian and Theodore boy or girl names?

Ian is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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