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Home › Baby Names Directory › Theseus

Theseus

♂ Boy

Pronounced THEE-see-əs /ˈθi.si.əs/High

Meaning: From Greek tithenai, 'to set, institute' — Athens' founder-hero who slew the MinotaurMedium

In 30 seconds: The labyrinth's conqueror: Theseus followed Ariadne's thread past the Minotaur and founded Athens' legend. Heroic to the syllable.
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Origin MediumGreek
MeaningFrom Greek tithenai, 'to set, institute' — Athens' founder-hero who slew the Minotaur
U.S. rank (2025)#5181 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births19 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 442

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201520102025

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Theseus likely stems from Greek tithenai, 'to set, institute' (debated, which we note) — the unifier-king of Athens who slew the Minotaur. Shakespeare and Christopher Nolan's Tenet keep casting him.

It registers thinly in records. Very rare, founder at the root, and labyrinth-tested.

Did you know? Philosophers still argue the 'Ship of Theseus' — if every plank is replaced, is it the same ship? — making this hero a thought experiment too.
Overall data confidence 75%
Behind the Name — Theseus — etymology debated

Variations

TeseoThesius

Nicknames

Theo

Famous Bearers

  • ★Theseus
    Legendary hero of ancient Greek mythology, founder-king of Athens and slayer of the Minotaur

If you like Theseus…

Perseus— the fellow monster-slaying hero
Atlas— a companion mythic strongman
Achilles— the Trojan-war brother legend
Leonidas— the Spartan lion-king pick

Explore names like Theseus

By themeuncertaingreekmythologicalheroic

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Theseus mean?

Theseus likely stems from Greek 'to set, institute' (debated) — Athens' founder-hero.

How do you pronounce Theseus?

It's said THEE-see-əs /ˈθi.si.əs/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Theseus a boy or girl name?

Theseus is a boy's name.

How popular is Theseus?

Theseus is a very rare name in the U.S.

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