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Theodora

♀ Girl

Pronounced thee-oh-DOR-ah /ˌθiː.əˈdɔːr.ə/High

Meaning: From Greek Theodora (Θεοδώρα), the feminine form of Theodore, from theos (god) + doron (gift), meaning 'gift of God'; the feminine counterpart of the equally grand TheodoreHigh

In 30 seconds: Theodora is a grand, Byzantine name meaning 'gift of God' — the feminine counterpart of Theodore and every bit as magnificent. Stately but surprisingly wearable, it is riding the wave of maximalist vintage names alongside Seraphina and Persephone.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningFrom Greek Theodora (Θεοδώρα), the feminine form of Theodore, from theos (god) + doron (gift), meaning 'gift of God'; the feminine counterpart of the equally grand Theodore
U.S. rank (2025)#726 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births384 girls (0.02% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2022
Total births (all-time)≈ 12,651

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202218802025

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

History & Origin

Theodora is the Greek feminine form of Theodore, from theos (god) and doron (gift). The most famous historical bearer is Empress Theodora of Byzantium, who co-ruled the Eastern Roman Empire with Justinian I in the 6th century. The name has been used in Eastern Orthodox and Western Christian traditions for centuries.

Theodora declined in use through the mid-20th century but has been rising strongly in the United States since the 2010s as parents rediscovered grand vintage names. It is especially popular among parents who love Dorothea, Eleanor, and Arabella and want something even more impressive.

Did you know? Empress Theodora (c. 500–548 CE), wife of Byzantine Emperor Justinian I, was one of the most powerful women in ancient history. Born to humble origins, she rose to co-rule the Byzantine Empire, abolish laws discriminating against women, and lead the famous Nika Revolt response. The name carries her extraordinary legacy.
Overall data confidence 95%
Behind the Name — Theodora — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

TeodoraFeodoraThea

Nicknames

TheaTeddyDoraTheo

Famous Bearers

  • ★Empress Theodora (c. 500–548)
    Byzantine empress and influential consort of Justinian I.

If you like Theodora…

Dorothea— shares the -dora Greek element in reverse, same vintage grandeur and gift meaning
Seraphina— fellow four-syllable maximalist vintage name with angelic/divine meaning
Arabella— shares the four-syllable rolling elegance and the same rare vintage appeal
Celestine— parallel celestial-meaning long feminine name in the same grand revival wave

Frequently Asked

What does the name Theodora mean?

Theodora means 'gift of God' from Greek theos (god) + doron (gift). It is the feminine form of Theodore.

How do you pronounce Theodora?

Theodora is pronounced thee-oh-DOR-ah /ˌθiː.əˈdɔːr.ə/ — four syllables with stress on the third.

What are good nicknames for Theodora?

Popular nicknames include Thea, Teddy, Dora, and Theo — giving Theodora remarkable nickname flexibility.

Is Theodora a popular name?

Theodora has been rising strongly in the U.S. since the 2010s as part of the maximalist vintage name revival.