← All names

Theodora

Girl name · 43 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Theodora: 43 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 7 births in 2020.

Theodora is the feminine form of Theodore, a Greek name meaning “gift of God.” The most famous bearer was the formidable Byzantine Empress Theodora, wife of Justinian I, who rose from actress to co-ruler and championed women's rights. The name also belonged to Saint Theodora, a 4th-century martyr, and Theodora of Hungary, a medieval queen. While no major places directly bear the name, the masculine Theodore inspires towns like Theodore, Alabama. A charming variant is the Russian Feodora, while the name carries a subtle literary echo through the character Theodora in D. H. Lawrence's works. In Scotland, Theodora remains a rare but elegant choice, evoking strength and grace.