Many parents wonder what to name their baby boy when they want something classic yet distinctive. Theodore stands out as a name with history and charm. But what if you need more options that carry the same weight and appeal?
Finding the right name matters. The perfect name can follow your child from playground to professional life, standing the test of time without feeling outdated.
Parents who choose names similar to Theodore often want something with depth and history. These names offer a blend of tradition and uniqueness that many modern options lack.
Ready to find the ideal name for your baby boy? This blog provides 35 solid alternatives to Theodore that maintain the same timeless quality while giving your child a name that feels both rooted and special!
Why Choose Names Like Theodore for Your Child?
Names like Theodore carry weight and meaning that newer names might not have. These names have stood the test of time for good reasons. They sound strong yet warm, and they work well for both children and adults.
When you pick a name with history, you give your child something valuable. These names often come with stories and famous figures who wore them well. They tend to be known but not overly common, striking that perfect balance many parents seek.
Such names also fit well in both casual and formal settings, making them useful throughout your child’s life. Unlike trendy names that might feel dated later, these classic picks remain fresh year after year.
Names Like Theodore: Unique Alternatives
Names like Theodore offer unique alternatives that balance distinction with established charm.
1. Abraham
Meaning: Father of many nations
Origin: Hebrew
Popularity: Popular in biblical contexts and widely recognized, though not as commonly used today.
2. Albert
Meaning: Noble and bright
Origin: Germanic
Popularity: Common in the 19th century, still familiar but less widely used today.
3. Alexander
Meaning: Defender of the people
Origin: Greek
Popularity: Very popular worldwide, consistently a top choice in many countries.
4. Arthur
Meaning: Noble, courageous
Origin: Celtic
Popularity: Classic name, still widely recognized and used.
5. Benedict
Meaning: Blessed
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Less common today but well-known due to historical and cultural references.
6. Benjamin
Meaning: Son of the right hand
Origin: Hebrew
Popularity: Very popular, consistently ranked highly in many countries.
7. Callum
Meaning: Dove
Origin: Scottish
Popularity: Gaining popularity in English-speaking countries, especially in the UK.
8. Clement
Meaning: Merciful, gentle
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Rare, but still known due to historical figures.
9. Darwin
Meaning: Dear friend
Origin: Old English
Popularity: Uncommon, mostly known due to Charles Darwin.
10. Edgar
Meaning: Wealthy spear
Origin: Old English
Popularity: Less common today, but recognized in historical and literary contexts.
11. Edmund
Meaning: Prosperous protector
Origin: Old English
Popularity: Less common but still well-known in English-speaking countries.
12. Felix
Meaning: Happy, fortunate
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Gaining popularity, particularly in Europe.
13. Ferdinand
Meaning: Bold voyager
Origin: Germanic
Popularity: Rare today, but historically known due to explorers like Ferdinand Magellan.
14. George
Meaning: Farmer
Origin: Greek
Popularity: Very popular, consistently a top name in many countries.
15. Harrison
Meaning: Son of Harry
Origin: English
Popularity: Popular, especially in modern times.
16. Jasper
Meaning: Treasurer
Origin: Persian
Popularity: Fairly popular, especially in English-speaking countries.
17. Julian
Meaning: Youthful, downy
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Popular, steadily used in many countries.
18. Langston
Meaning: From the long town
Origin: English
Popularity: Uncommon, but known due to Langston Hughes, the famous poet.
19. Leopold
Meaning: Brave people
Origin: Germanic
Popularity: Rare, but recognizable due to historical and royal connections.
20. Maximilian
Meaning: Greatest
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Historically well-known, but less common in modern times.
21. Maxwell
Meaning: Great stream
Origin: Scottish
Popularity: Gaining popularity, often used as both a first and last name.
22. Nathaniel
Meaning: Gift of God
Origin: Hebrew
Popularity: Fairly popular, especially in English-speaking countries.
23. Nicholas
Meaning: Victory of the people
Origin: Greek
Popularity: Very popular, with widespread use across many cultures.
24. Oliver
Meaning: Olive tree
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Very popular in many countries, consistently ranked highly.
25. Phineas
Meaning: Oracle
Origin: Hebrew
Popularity: Rare, but known due to biblical references.
26. Rowan
Meaning: Little red one
Origin: Gaelic
Popularity: Gaining popularity, especially in the UK and US.
27. Rufus
Meaning: Red-haired
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Rare today but recognized due to historical figures.
28. Samuel
Meaning: God has heard
Origin: Hebrew
Popularity: Very popular, consistently a top name across many countries.
Each of these names like Theodore brings warmth and character that will grow nicely with your child.
Names Like Theodore: A Blend of Tradition and Trend
Names like Theodore perfectly blend tradition with subtle trends, making them both current and lasting.
29. Stanley
Meaning: Stony meadow
Origin: Old English
Popularity: Rare today, but recognized due to historical and literary references.
30. Sylvester
Meaning: Wooded or wild
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Less common today, but well-known due to Sylvester Stallone.
31. Thaddeus
Meaning: Heart, courageous
Origin: Aramaic
Popularity: Rare but recognized, particularly in religious contexts.
32. Vincent
Meaning: Conquering
Origin: Latin
Popularity: Popular, though slightly less common today than in the past.
33. Walter
Meaning: Army ruler
Origin: Germanic
Popularity: Less common today, but known through historical figures.
34. William
Meaning: Resolute protector
Origin: Germanic
Popularity: Very popular, consistently among the top names worldwide.
35. Winston
Meaning: Joyful stone
Origin: Old English
Popularity: Fairly popular, mostly known because of Winston Churchill.
By choosing names like Theodore that mix old and new, you give your child both roots and wings.
The Popularity of Names Like Theodore in Recent Years
In the United States, names like Theodore have enjoyed fluctuating popularity over the years. Theodore, in particular, has seen a significant resurgence in recent years, ranking within the top 50 names for boys in the 2020s.
Historically, it was a popular name in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thanks to figures like Theodore Roosevelt. Similarly, names such as Benjamin and William have remained consistently popular, maintaining high rankings over time.
Other names like Alexander and Samuel, which share classic and traditional vibes similar to Theodore, also see strong usage.
These names have been favored across multiple generations, owing to their timeless appeal and association with historical figures and literary references, making them a consistent choice for American parents.
Wrapping It Up
Choosing a name for your baby involves careful thought. The names similar to Theodore we’ve shared offer that perfect mix of history and style. These options work well for boys who need strong yet gentle names that fit both childhood and adulthood.
Each name on our list has its own story and sound, yet all share qualities with Theodore – that classic feel with a modern touch. The right name becomes part of your child’s identity, so picking one that feels both timeless and fitting matters greatly.
Have you found the perfect name on our list? Or perhaps one sparked ideas for other options? Names carry meaning beyond just sounds, and your choice will follow your child throughout life.
We’d love to know which names caught your attention! Share your favorites in the comments below and tell us why they speak to you.
