Theophilus
From Middle English Theophilus, from Latin Theophilus, from Ancient Greek Θεόφιλος (Theóphilos), meaning "love of God" or "friend of God".
Every Theophilus since 1882 — 2,448 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Theophilus
Theophilus is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #2,417 in 2025 with 57 babies given the name. It is currently rising compared with a decade ago.
Since 1882, 2,448 American babies have been named Theophilus. Its peak came in 2022, when 68 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 2020s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Theophilus stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Theophilus year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 57 | #2,417 |
| 2024 | 65 | #2,231 |
| 2023 | 63 | #2,272 |
| 2022 | 68 | #2,166 |
| 2021 | 44 | #2,855 |
| 2020 | 43 | #2,837 |
| 2019 | 42 | #2,939 |
| 2018 | 49 | #2,615 |
| 2017 | 40 | #3,001 |
| 2016 | 48 | #2,619 |
| 2015 | 34 | #3,358 |
| 2014 | 39 | #2,978 |
| 2013 | 38 | #2,991 |
| 2012 | 36 | #3,167 |
| 2011 | 18 | #5,177 |
| 2010 | 16 | #5,709 |
| 2009 | 17 | #5,529 |
| 2008 | 19 | #5,048 |
| 2007 | 26 | #3,991 |
| 2006 | 17 | #5,276 |
| 2005 | 24 | #3,933 |
| 2004 | 17 | #4,986 |
| 2003 | 27 | #3,434 |
| 2002 | 20 | #4,171 |
| 2001 | 16 | #4,869 |
| 2000 | 21 | #3,901 |
| 1995 | 10 | #5,879 |
| 1990 | 17 | #3,589 |
| 1985 | 13 | #3,581 |
| 1980 | 16 | #2,946 |
| 1975 | 22 | #2,124 |
| 1970 | 11 | #3,054 |
| 1965 | 18 | #1,912 |
| 1960 | 16 | #2,111 |
| 1955 | 24 | #1,606 |
| 1950 | 22 | #1,610 |
| 1945 | 13 | #2,003 |
| 1940 | 10 | #2,464 |
| 1935 | 8 | #2,921 |
| 1930 | 18 | #1,812 |
| 1925 | 17 | #2,001 |
| 1920 | 21 | #1,739 |
| 1915 | 20 | #1,597 |
| 1910 | 7 | #1,410 |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | 5 | #1,087 |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Theophilus
- Theophilus of Antioch Religious figure · 140–183
- Theophilus Presbyter Religious figure · 1070–1125
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Theophilus mean?
From Middle English Theophilus, from Latin Theophilus, from Ancient Greek Θεόφιλος (Theóphilos), meaning "love of God" or "friend of God".
How popular is the name Theophilus in 2025?
Theophilus ranked #2,417 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 57 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Theophilus?
2,448 babies have been named Theophilus in the United States since 1882, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Theophilus most popular?
Theophilus peaked in 2022, when 68 newborns received the name.
Is Theophilus a boy or girl name?
Theophilus is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Theophilus rising or falling?
Theophilus is on the rise — noticeably more popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Theophilus?
Well-known people named Theophilus include Theophilus of Antioch (religious figure), Theophilus Presbyter (religious figure).