Theodor

Theodor is a masculine given name of Germanic origin. It is derived from the Greek Theodoros, from the elements theos meaning “god” and doron meaning “gift,” together indicating “gift of God.” The name has been common in German-speaking areas and throughout Europe since the Middle Ages, in part due to saints and rulers bearing the name. In English, the form Theodore is common; other international variants include Teodoro (Spanish, Italian, Portuguese), Teodor (Polish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Russian transliterations), and Theodor in Dutch, Norwegian, and Swedish usage. Diminutives such as Theo, Ted, and Teddy are frequently used.

Usage and notable bearers

Notable people named Theodor include: Theodor Fontane (1819–1898), German novelist; Theodor Storm (1817–1888), German writer; Theodor Mommsen (1817–1903), German classical scholar and Nobel Prize in Literature recipient; Theodor Boveri (1862–1915), German biologist; Theodor Adorno (1903–1969), German philosopher and sociologist; Theodor Herzl (1860–1904), Austro-Hungarian journalist and founder of modern political Zionism; Theodor Heuss (1884–1963), German politician and first President of West Germany; Theodor Seuss Geisel (1904–1991), American author known as Dr. Seuss.

Theodor remains a traditional given name in many European languages, with English speakers often using Theodore as the corresponding form. It is commonly shortened to Theo or Theo in informal use.