Teodora is a unique and elegant feminine given name of Bulgarian origin, meaning "gift from God." It is composed of two elements: 'teos', which means 'god' in Greek, and '-dora', derived from the Greek suffix '-doron', signifying 'gift'. This name was particularly popular during the medieval period when it was borne by several notable figures, most famously Empress Teodora of Byzantium, who ruled alongside her husband, Emperor Justinian I. Today, Teodora remains a beloved name in Bulgaria and other Eastern European countries, offering a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name with rich history and cultural significance.
The name Teodora experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a notable peak between 1916 and 1925 when it reached as high as 23 births per year. However, after the 1940s, its usage declined steadily until it hit an all-time low of just 5 births per year in several recent years (1984, 1988, 1996). Despite these fluctuations, over the entire period from 1893 to 2023, a total of 1281 babies were named Teodora.