teddy

Teddy is a masculine given name or nickname, most often a diminutive of Theodore. It can also be used as a standalone name. The form has been common in English-speaking countries since the 19th century and has yielded related nicknames such as Ted and Teddi. The name has appeared across a range of public figures, from presidents to athletes.

The teddy bear is a soft, stuffed toy bear associated with early 20th-century toy making. The term derives from a popular image of President Theodore Roosevelt. In 1902, after Roosevelt declined to shoot a captured bear on a hunting trip, a cartoon by Clifford Berryman inspired Morris and Rose Michtom in Brooklyn to create a plush bear and label it “Teddy’s bear.” They founded the company that would become the Ideal Toy Co., and the stuffed bear quickly became a worldwide icon of childhood comfort, spawning countless variations and designs.

Notable uses of the name include Theodore “Teddy” Roosevelt, the 26th president of the United States, and entertainers such as musician Teddy Pendergrass. Today, Teddy remains a common given name or nickname in various English-speaking cultures, continuing to appear in popular culture, sports, and public life.