Ted is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is a short form of the name Theodore, which is derived from the Greek words "theos" meaning god and "dora" meaning gift. Therefore, Ted means "gift of God." The name Theodore was first used by early Christians to honor Saint Theodore of Amasea, a 4th-century martyr.
The name Ted has been popular throughout history. It was a common name among the royal family in Scotland during the Middle Ages. King Alexander III of Scotland had a son named Alexander who was known as "Tad" or "Ted." The name also gained popularity in England during the Victorian era and continued to be used frequently throughout the 20th century.
Today, Ted is still considered a classic name for boys. It is often chosen by parents who want their child to have a traditional name with a modern twist. While Theodore has become increasingly popular in recent years, Ted remains a beloved and enduring choice for many families.
Here are some observations about the name Ted based on these annual birth statistics:
- The popularity of the name Ted peaks between the late 1930s and mid-1960s, with a high point of 1743 births in 1958.
- Before the 1930s, fewer than 200 babies were named Ted each year on average. The first significant peak was seen in the late 1800s, around 1886 to 1898, with a maximum of 75 births in 1900.
- After the mid-1960s, the name's popularity began to decline steadily. By the year 2000, fewer than 100 babies were named Ted annually on average.
- The most recent data from 2020 to 2023 shows that the name Ted has continued to decrease in popularity, with only 35 to 43 births per year.