Theo
Theo is a boys' name of Greek origin meaning “divine gift.” It ranked #82 in the United States in 2025. Theo is a Greek name meaning 'god' and works as both a standalone name and a short form of Theodore.
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how do you pronounce Theo?
THEE-oh
where does the name Theo come from?
A short form of Theodore, Theobald, Theophilus, Theodoric and the feminine Theodora, all of which begin with the Greek theos, god.
It has surged as parents embrace the nickname as the full legal name, doubling the Theo-Theodore trend dominating charts.
how popular is this name?
Theo has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 80 years since 1880, and fell outside it for 66. It peaked at #78 in 2023, and ranked #82 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #82 |
| 2024 | #80 |
| 2023 | #78 |
| 2022 | #98 |
| 2021 | #142 |
| 2020 | #172 |
| 2019 | #195 |
| 2018 | #243 |
| 2017 | #290 |
| 2016 | #354 |
| 2010 | #914 |
| 1930 | #645 |
| 1920 | #640 |
| 1910 | #461 |
| 1900 | #680 |
| 1890 | #566 |
| 1880 | #640 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Theo fell outside the top 1,000.
the history of Theo
Theo is first recorded as a given name in Sweden in 1860, so its independent use dates from the nineteenth century, and a Theo may be short for any of several names or for none.
who are famous people named Theo?
- Theo James (British actor)
- Theo Epstein (MLB executive)
- Theo van Gogh (brother of Vincent van Gogh)
what are the nicknames and variants of Theo?
Nicknames
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Theo?
what names go well with Theo?
Sibling names that share Theo's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Theo
What does the name Theo mean?
Theo means “divine gift”.
What is the origin of the name Theo?
Theo comes from the Greek naming tradition. Related forms include Theodore, Théo and Teo.
How popular is the name Theo?
Theo ranked #82 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data. Its best year was 2023, at #78, and it has spent 80 years in the top 1,000 since 1880.
Is Theo a boy or girl name?
Theo is primarily a boys' name.
How do you pronounce Theo?
Theo is pronounced THEE-oh, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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