"gift of God"
Origin: Greek (theodoros)
Language: English
Theo
Pronunciation: [ th-EE-oh ]
Boy Name
#80 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
Short, classic, and carrying the weight of legacy
English
Greek
French
German
American
Classic
Vintage
Modern
Strong
Literary
Meaning & Origin
"divine gift"
Origin: Greek (theos + doron)
Language: English
"gift of God"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
"divine"
Origin: Greek theos
Language: Greek
The Story of Theo
Theo is both a standalone name and a shortened form of Theodore (Greek: 'gift of God') or Theodora. From the Greek 'theos' (god) and 'doron' (gift), the name carries profound spiritual meaning. Theodore has been the name of popes, saints, and presidents. Theo gained independence as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in Britain and Europe.
Theo has rocketed into the top names across English-speaking countries since 2010. In the UK it has been a top-5 boys' name. American parents love it for being a two-syllable classic that feels fresh without being invented. The TV show Cosby Show's Theo Huxtable gave it warm cultural recognition in the 1980s.
Theo Van Gogh, brother of painter Vincent Van Gogh, is one of the most famous Theos — his supportive relationship with his brother is legendary in art history. President Theodore Roosevelt made the formal version iconic in America, and Theo carries that presidential heritage in a lightweight package.
Fun Facts
- Theo van Gogh was Vincent's beloved younger brother and art dealer, funding his painting career
- Theodore Roosevelt was the youngest president in US history at 42
- Theo is a top-5 boys' name in the United Kingdom as of 2020s
Theo in Other Languages
Greek
Θεόδωρος (Theodoros)
French
Théo
German
Theodor
Italian
Teo
Russian
Фёдор (Fyodor)
Spanish
Teo
Famous People Named Theo
T
Theo Walcott
Athlete
1989
English professional footballer who played for Arsenal, Everton, and the England national team
T
Theo James
Actor
1984
British actor known for The Divergent Series and The White Lotus
T
Theodore Roosevelt
Politician
1858
26th President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and the namesake of the teddy bear
T
Theo van Gogh
Business
1857
Dutch art dealer who supported his brother Vincent van Gogh throughout his career
T
Theo Van Gogh
Business
1857
Dutch art dealer and devoted brother of painter Vincent Van Gogh, who supported his career financially and emotionally
T
Theo Huxtable Fictional
Other
Beloved son and central character in The Cosby Show (1984-1992), played by Malcolm-Jamal Warner
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #80
- Total SSA Count
- 4,110
- Cultural Origins
- English Greek French German American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Theo James
Theo William
Theo Alexander
Theo Samuel
Theo Felix
Theo August
Theo Miles
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Theo is also used as a girl name, ranked #4494.
View Theo as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Theo
What does the name Theo mean?
"gift of God" (from Greek (theodoros)). "divine gift" (from Greek (theos + doron)). "gift of God" (from Greek). "divine" (from Greek theos). Theo is both a standalone name and a shortened form of Theodore (Greek: 'gift of God') or Theodora. From the Greek 'theos' (god) and 'doron' (gift), the name carries profound spiritual meaning. Theodore has been the name of popes, saints, and presidents. Theo gained independence as a given name in the 20th century, particularly in Britain and Europe.
What is the origin of the name Theo?
Theo has Greek (theodoros), Greek (theos + doron), Greek, Greek theos, English, French, German, and American origins. In Greek (theodoros), it means "gift of God". In Greek (theos + doron), it means "divine gift". In Greek, it means "gift of God". In Greek theos, it means "divine".
Is Theo a boy or girl name?
Theo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #80. As a girl name, it is ranked #4494. Theo is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Theo?
Theo is pronounced th-EE-oh.
How popular is the name Theo?
Theo is currently ranked #80 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are good middle names for Theo?
Popular middle name pairings include Theo James, Theo William, Theo Alexander, Theo Samuel, Theo Felix, Theo August, and Theo Miles.
What are good sibling names for Theo?
Names that pair well with Theo as siblings include Oliver, Felix, Eleanor, Beatrice, Arthur, Cecily, and Hugo.
How many syllables does Theo have?
Theo has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Theo a common or rare name?
Theo is a very popular name, ranked #80 among boy names in the United States.
About the Name Theo
Theo is a boy name with English, Greek, French, German, and American origins . The name means "gift of God" in Greek (theodoros) .
Is Theo a boy or girl name? Theo is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #80 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #4,494. Theo is more commonly used as a boy name.
Theo is currently ranked #80 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Theo has 2 syllables and is pronounced th-EE-oh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Theo include Theodore, Theoden, Theodor, Theophilus, Theron . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.