Teddy

♂ Boy

Pronounced TED-ee /ˈtɛd.i/High

Meaning: Pet form of Theodore (Greek, 'gift of God') or Edward (Old English, 'wealthy guardian'), used since the 19th century as an affectionate standalone given nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Teddy is the warm, cheerful pet form of Theodore or Edward, meaning gift of God or wealthy guardian. President Theodore Roosevelt gave it lasting association with both power and tenderness — and with a famous stuffed toy.

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Origin HighOld English, Greek

MeaningPet form of Theodore (Greek, 'gift of God') or Edward (Old English, 'wealthy guardian'), used since the 19th century as an affectionate standalone given name

U.S. rank (2025)#823 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births301 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1949

Total births (all-time)≈ 33,622

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Teddy developed as an affectionate nickname for both Theodore (from Greek theos, god, and doron, gift — 'gift of God') and Edward (from Old English ead, wealthy, and weard, guardian). The two roots gave rise to the same nickname through different paths: Ted from Edward (Eadward → Tedward → Ted) and Teddy from Theodore.

President Theodore Roosevelt, known universally as Teddy, cemented the name's place in American culture when a November 1902 hunting cartoon inspired the creation of the stuffed 'teddy bear'. In the 21st century Teddy has surged as a standalone given name in the UK and U.S., appealing to parents who want a friendly, vintage-feeling name that stands on its own.

Did you know? The teddy bear was named after President Theodore 'Teddy' Roosevelt in 1902, after a political cartoon depicted him refusing to shoot a captive bear on a hunting trip — making Teddy one of the few names to have a globally beloved toy named after it.

Overall data confidence 90%

Behind the Name — Teddy — etymology as pet form of Theodore and EdwardU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

TheodoreTedTedd

Nicknames

Ted

Famous Bearers

★Theodore Roosevelt (1858–1919)
26th President of the United States, Nobel Peace Prize winner, and conservationist, widely known by the nickname Teddy.

If you like Teddy…

Archie— same affectionate, vintage two-syllable -ie nickname style now used as a given name

Charlie— fellow friendly pet-form that has become a standalone classic

Freddie— shares the warm, retro nickname-as-name trend

Reggie— same -ie ending, vintage revival, affectionate standalone feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Teddy mean?

Teddy is a pet form of Theodore (gift of God, Greek) or Edward (wealthy guardian, Old English).

How do you pronounce Teddy?

It is said TED-ee, with two syllables.

Where does the teddy bear name come from?

The teddy bear was named after President Theodore Teddy Roosevelt in 1902, following a cartoon depicting him refusing to shoot a bear.

Is Teddy a popular name?

Teddy has seen a strong revival in the UK and U.S. in the 2010s and 2020s as a standalone given name.