Theoden
Theoden is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
People, nation, or king.
Origin and history
Theoden is a name derived from Old English meaning leader or king, famously used by J.R.R. Tolkien for King Théoden of Rohan in The Lord of the Rings. While historically a rare archaic term, it has seen modern usage in the United States primarily inspired by literary fantasy. In recent years, its usage has grown steadily among parents seeking unique hero-style names.
Popularity in the United States
707 babies in the United States have been named Theoden since 1880. It ranks #3969 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1475.
States where it is most popular
- CA (24 %)
- TX (18.8 %)
- WA (11 %)
- UT (7.8 %)
- PA (7.1 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 0 |
| 1920-1930 | 0 |
| 1930-1940 | 0 |
| 1940-1950 | 0 |
| 1950-1960 | 0 |
| 1960-1970 | 0 |
| 1970-1980 | 0 |
| 1980-1990 | 0 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 58 |
| 2010-2019 | 193 |
| 2020-2029 | 456 |
Famous people named Theoden
- Théoden: Monarch, Fictional character
Nicknames
Theo, Teddy
Fun facts
- J.R.R. Tolkien used the Old English word 'þēoden' (meaning 'king' or 'prince') to name King Théoden of Rohan.
- The name has gained significant traction in the U.S. during the 2020s alongside the rise of similar names like Theodore and Theo.