Arthur vs Theodore
A side-by-side comparison of Arthur and Theodore — meaning, origin, pronunciation, popularity, and cultural significance.
Arthur vs Theodore: the key differences
Arthur and Theodore often end up on the same shortlist. Arthur is of Celtic origin and Theodore of Greek origin; Arthur means “bear” and Theodore means “gift of God”. Both are used for boys.
In 2025, Arthur ranked #87 and Theodore #4 among boys' names in the US, so Theodore was the more common choice, 83 places ahead of Arthur. Theodore overtook Arthur in 1998; Arthur peaked at #14 in 1880, Theodore at #4 in 2024.
Arthur has 2 syllables and 6 letters; Theodore has 3 syllables and 8. Either pairs well with siblings like Eleanor and Oliver.
how do Arthur and Theodore compare?
| Arthur | Attribute | Theodore |
|---|---|---|
bear | Meaning | gift of God |
| Celtic | Origin | Greek |
AR-thur | Pronunciation | THEE-oh-dor |
| boy | Gender | boy |
2 syllables, 6 letters | Sound | 3 syllables, 8 letters |
Art, Artie | Nicknames | Theo, Ted, Teddy |
Arthur, Artur, Artús | Variants | Theodor, Teodoro, Fyodor |
#14 in 1880 | All-time peak | #4 in 2024 |
King Arthur (legendary British monarch); Arthur Conan Doyle (Sherlock Holmes creator) | Famous namesakes | Theodore Roosevelt (US President); Ted Lasso (TV character) |
The origin of Arthur is uncertain. A word for bear is the most often proposed root; other suggestions are a compound of bear and man, or a Latinised Romano-British name comparable with Artorius, which may itself be Etruscan or Illyrian. | Etymology | From the Greek Θεόδωρος, joining theos, meaning god, with dōron, meaning gift. Dorothea is built from precisely the same two elements in the opposite order, which makes the pair one of the neatest mirror images in European naming. |
| #87 | Popularity (2025) | #4 |
Arthur has deep roots in Celtic and Arthurian legend as the name of the legendary British king. After decades of dormancy, it has surged back as part of the vintage name revival, particularly in Europe. | Cultural Note | Theodore combines the Greek 'theos' (god) and 'doron' (gift). President Theodore Roosevelt established its rugged-yet-warm persona. After decades of dormancy, it has rocketed from #266 in 2009 to the top 10 — one of the greatest comeback names ever. |
which is more popular: Arthur or Theodore?
Arthur
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #87 |
| 2024 | #105 |
| 2023 | #130 |
| 2022 | #140 |
| 2021 | #155 |
Theodore
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #4 |
| 2024 | #4 |
| 2023 | #7 |
| 2022 | #10 |
| 2021 | #10 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset
questions about Arthur and Theodore
What is the difference between Arthur and Theodore?
Arthur and Theodore often end up on the same shortlist. Arthur is of Celtic origin and Theodore of Greek origin; Arthur means “bear” and Theodore means “gift of God”. Both are used for boys.
Which is more popular, Arthur or Theodore?
In 2025, Arthur ranked #87 and Theodore #4 among boys' names in the US, so Theodore was the more common choice, 83 places ahead of Arthur. Theodore overtook Arthur in 1998; Arthur peaked at #14 in 1880, Theodore at #4 in 2024.
Are Arthur and Theodore pronounced the same?
Arthur is pronounced AR-thur and Theodore THEE-oh-dor. Arthur has 2 syllables and 6 letters; Theodore has 3 syllables and 8.
Should I name my baby Arthur or Theodore?
Both Arthur and Theodore are beautiful choices. Consider the meaning, cultural significance, and how each sounds with your last name. HushName's free AI consultation can help you explore both options and find the perfect fit for your family.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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