Theodore

Theodore is a Greek name composed of theos meaning "god" and doron meaning "gift" — so the name means "gift of God." It has been carried by saints, popes, emperors, and American presidents (Theodore Roosevelt), and enjoyed a massive renaissance in popularity in the 2010s and 2020s. For pets, Theodore is the name that says you have very high standards for your companion's name — distinguished, meaningful, and perfect for shortening to Theo for everyday use.

Theodore ranks #267 on the pet name charts and has all the gravitas of its Greek etymology behind it, meaning "gift of God" in the most literal sense. Owners who choose Theodore for their companion are making a statement: this pet is a genuine gift, and deserves a name equal to that significance. The name works on multiple levels — stately and full when spoken formally, warm and accessible as Theo in daily life. Theodore suits a companion with genuine substance: intelligent, calm, and possessed of a quiet confidence that never needs to prove itself.