Is Theron a boy's or girl's name?

Theron is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 40 recorded births.

When was Theron most popular?

Theron reached its peak popularity in 1966 with 180 births that year. It is currently ranked #2857 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Theron?

Theron is currently ranked #2857 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 12,905 babies since 1880.

Theron

A Greek name gently fading from the charts.

Boy's name| Also girlsGreekDeclining

#2857▲ 139in 2024

Meaning & Origin

Theron of Akragas (died 473 BC), a tyrant of Akragas in Sicily.

Theron is a boy's and girl's baby name of Greek origin meaning 'hunter.' It was borne by Theron of Akragas, a powerful Sicilian tyrant of the 5th century BC, giving the name both classical weight and an adventurous spirit.

With over 12,000 recorded births in the U.S., Theron has maintained a quiet presence. Actress Charlize Theron brought the name into pop culture consciousness, though she pronounces it differently from the ancient Greek form.

Compare Theron with another name

Popularity Over Time

Theron was #1324 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2857, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Theron
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	260	#2620	▼
2010s	883	#1754	▼
2000s	1,061	#1399	▲
1990s	1,030	#1139	—
1980s	1,083	#884	▼
1970s	1,480	#683	—
1960s	1,483	#639	▲
1950s	922	#760	▼
1940s	1,070	#618	▲
1930s	1,015	#587	▼
1920s	1,255	#561	▲
1910s	1,032	#481	▲
1900s	167	#653	▲
1890s	101	#785	▲
1880s	63	#709	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(142 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Theron
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	45	#2857	+3 (7.1%)
2023	42	#2996	-6 (-12.5%)
2022	48	#2748	-8 (-14.3%)
2021	56	#2435	-13 (-18.8%)
2020	69	#2064	+2 (3.0%)
2019	67	#2147	-10 (-13.0%)
2018	77	#1936	-12 (-13.5%)
2017	89	#1745	+8 (9.9%)
2016	81	#1859	-19 (-19.0%)
2015	100	#1612	+1 (1.0%)
2014	99	#1595	+13 (15.1%)
2013	86	#1722	-15 (-14.9%)
2012	101	#1574	+14 (16.1%)
2011	87	#1715	-9 (-9.4%)
2010	96	#1636	-1 (-1.0%)
2009	97	#1636	+1 (1.0%)
2008	96	#1631	-9 (-8.6%)
2007	105	#1514	-29 (-21.6%)
2006	134	#1253	+21 (18.6%)
2005	113	#1342	+1 (0.9%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Theron as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Theron has also been given to 40 girls in the U.S. since 1925.

Unranked

Current rank

Total births

2018

Peak year

Compare Theron as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Theron be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Theron is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #2857. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology