Theo

Theo is a masculine given name and common nickname. It is frequently a shortened form of Theodore or Theophilus, but in many countries it is also used as an independent given name. The name derives from Greek roots: Theodore comes from Theodoros, meaning “gift of God” (theos = god, doron = gift), while Theophilos means “friend of God” (philos = friend).

Usage and variations vary by region. Theo is widely used in English-speaking countries and across Europe, including the Netherlands, Germany, France, and Scandinavia. As a standalone name, it often preserves the traditional associations of its longer forms, yet it is also perceived as modern and concise.

Notable people and figures named Theo include Theo Walcott, an English footballer; Theo James, a British actor; Theo Epstein, an American baseball executive; Theo van Gogh, a Dutch filmmaker and journalist; Theo Hernandez, a French footballer; and Theo Paphitis, a British businessman. In fiction, Theo Huxtable is a character on The Cosby Show, and Theo Decker is the protagonist of Donna Tartt’s novel The Goldfinch. The name has also appeared in various cultural contexts as a compact, approachable form of its longer Greek roots.

Overall, Theo remains a popular, easily recognizable name with roots in classic Greek-derived given names, valued for its brevity, versatility, and cross-cultural appeal.