Stephen vs Theodore

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Stephen

Boy #378 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"crown, wreath"

Origin: Ancient Greek

Cultural Roots

English Irish Greek American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#378
Total SSA Count
864
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Steve, Stevie

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Stephen →

Popularity Comparison

Stephen Rank #378
Theodore Rank #4

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 vs #378 for Stephen.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Stephen ___

  • Stephen James
  • Stephen Michael
  • Stephen John
  • Stephen Patrick
  • Stephen Thomas
  • Stephen 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 Stephen

Michael Christopher Jennifer Elizabeth Matthew

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 Stephen or Theodore more popular?

Theodore is more popular, ranked #4 compared to Stephen at #378 in the United States.

What do Stephen and Theodore mean?

Stephen means "crown, wreath" (Ancient Greek origin). Theodore means "divine gift" (Greek origin).

Are Stephen and Theodore boy or girl names?

Stephen is primarily a boy name. Theodore is primarily a boy name.

More Comparisons

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