Theo
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Gift of God — a name of divine purpose
Origin: Short form of Theodore — from Greek theos (god) + doron (gift)
Popularity: Ranked #82 in 2025 with 3,945 babies born.
History: Theo has been a nickname for Theodore for generations, but it has increasingly been chosen as a standalone name in its own right. It carries all the warmth and vintage distinction of Theodore with a lighter, more playful touch. Theo van Gogh — Vincent's beloved brother and lifelong supporter — gives it an artistic, devoted soul. In the UK and Australia it has been in the top 10 for years as a given name. In America it is climbing rapidly, part of the broader revival of short, friendly vintage names. It works at every age with effortless ease.
Name length: 4 letters
How common is Theo? About 1 in 839 babies born in 2025 were named Theo, or roughly 10.9 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Theo
What does the name Theo mean?
Theo means “Gift of God — a name of divine purpose” from Short form of Theodore — from Greek theos (god) + doron (gift) roots.
What is the origin of the name Theo?
Theo has Short form of Theodore — from Greek theos (god) + doron (gift) origin. The traditional meaning is “Gift of God — a name of divine purpose”.
How popular is Theo?
Theo ranked #82 in 2025 — given to 3,945 babies that year.
When was Theo most popular?
Theo peaked in 2023 with 4,137 babies registered that year.
Is Theo a boy or girl name?
Theo is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Theos in registered births are male.
Is the name Theo rising or falling in popularity?
Theo has risen 3388 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #3470 in 2020 to #82 in 2025.
How long has Theo been recorded?
Theo appears in birth records across 146 years — from 1880 through 2025.