Sam vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Sam

Boy #652 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"name of God"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English American Hebrew Scandinavian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#652
Total SSA Count
423
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Sammy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Sam →

Popularity Comparison

Sam Rank #652
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #652 for Sam.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Sam ___

  • Sam James
  • Sam Lee
  • Sam Alexander
  • Sam William
  • Sam Cole
  • Sam David

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 Sam

Jack Lucy Ella Tom Lily

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 Sam or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Sam at #652 in the United States.

What do Sam and Theodore mean?

Sam means "name of God" (Hebrew origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Sam and Theodore boy or girl names?

Sam is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

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