Looking for Theodora nicknames? The name qualifies as an under-used traditional choice with nicknames galore. It even rivals Elizabeth and Margaret in terms of possibilities.
Some of these are easy and obvious. Others feel like more of a stretch. But if you’d like to combine long and lovely Theodora with something simpler for everyday use, one of these should fit.
Theodora Nicknames: The Defaults
Teddie/Teddy – Just as Theodore naturally shortens to Teddy and Ted, so does Theodora. After all, Alexandra, Charlotte, and Samantha all share default nicknames with their masculine counterparts.
Thea – While Theodora remains outside of the current US Top 1000, Thea recently blazed back into the US Top 1000, bounding into the Top 500 in 2015. Part-Theo, and part-Leah and Mia, Thea stands alone. But it also works beautifully as a Theodora short form.
Theo – As with Teddy/Teddie, there’s no reason a Theodora couldn’t share the common Theodore nickname, too. It’s not new, either. Theodosia Burr Alston – of “Dear Theodosia” fame from the musical Hamilton – answered to Theo.
Theodora Nicknames: The Ds
Dolly – If Dorothy shortens to Dolly, can’t Theodora, too? It feels slightly less connected, and yet, Dorothy is simply a medieval English form of Dorothea – the same elements as Theodora, reversed. Molly remains a powerfully popular pick for girls in the US, so Dolly should wear every bit as well.
Dora – Chop off the second half of this long, compound name and you’ll have Thea. But drop the first half, and it’s Dora. If not for the cheerful explorer of Nickelodeon fame, Dora might be following Nora and Cora up the charts. Instead, it’s been twenty-five years since Dora cracked the Top 1000.
Dot – There’s something elegant about reducing long, lovely Theodora to just Dot. Like Dolly, Dot traditionally attaches to Dorothy. But there’s no reason
Theodora Nicknames: Rarities
Tess – It’s traditionally associated with Theresa, but it works here, too.
Theda – As in silent screen star, Theda Bara – born Theodosia.
Thora – Contracted nicknames have a long history. Thora might not be obvious, but it’s a natural.
Tori/Torie/Tory – I think of Tori as short for Victoria, but the T-or sound is very much present in this name, too.
What are your favorite Theodora nicknames? Any I’ve missed?
This is one of my favourite girl names, but Thea is so popular in the UK, mostly as a stand alone name. I prefer Theda and Thora as nicknames, but I’m falling in love with Teddy.