Theophilus

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What does the baby name Theophilus mean? Learn about what Theophilus means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Theophilus - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Theophilus
T-H-E-O-P-H-I-L-U-S, is a 10-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Theophilus
thee o FILL uss
Meaning of Theophilus
Loved by god, loving god.
Origin of Theophilus
The name 'Theophilus' has its earliest known use in the New Testament of the Bible. It appears in the Gospel of Luke, where the author addresses his work to a certain 'Theophilus'. While the identity of this individual remains uncertain, scholars believe that 'Theophilus' may have been a high-ranking official or a person of influence within the early Christian community. The use of the name in this context highlights its association with faith and devotion.
Biblical Names
Christian Names
Greek Names
Latin Names
Saints Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Theophilus
Teofil
Theophile
Popularity of Theophilus
Throughout history, the popularity of the name 'Theophilus' has experienced fluctuations. In ancient times, it was a name that held great significance among early Christians. However, as time went on, its usage began to decline. It was not until the 19th century that the name saw a notable resurgence in popularity, particularly among English-speaking countries. This revival can be attributed to the Romantic movement, which sought to revive and celebrate classical and biblical names.
Theophilus currently has 58 likes, and is in the top 5% of liked boy's names. The name Callen is slightly more popular than Theophilus.

Etymology of Theophilus

The name 'Theophilus' derives from the Greek language, where 'theos' means 'god' and 'philos' means 'friend' or 'lover'. In Greek mythology, there were several gods with names that incorporated 'theos', such as Thea (goddess of light) and Theia (goddess of sight). The combination of 'theos' with 'philos' emphasizes the deep connection and love between an individual and their faith.

Cultural Significance of Theophilus

The name 'Theophilus' holds particular significance within the Christian tradition. In the Gospel of Luke, the author addresses his work to 'Theophilus', indicating the importance of this individual in the early Christian community. The name serves as a reminder of the close relationship between believers and their faith, as well as the divine love and friendship that exists between God and humanity.