Less-Popular Alternatives to Theodore

Theodore is a timeless classic that was popular through the early twentieth century and is popular again today. Perhaps it is now close to the top 20. Thus, plenty of families would find it too common.

Besides its traditional style, Theodore's appealing factors include its connections to saints, elaborate structure, accessible nicknames like "Teddy" and "Theo", and ties to many classic stories. 

If Theodore is too popular for you, consider these names instead:

Abraham (#201)-Classic Abraham was never too common, but it still has Theodore's style and "r" sound. Several saints and fictional characters have answered to the name. Plus, as Theodore is to former President Theodore Roosevelt, Abraham connects to Abraham Lincoln. Thus, these names go hand-in-hand. It works as both a brother name and alternative to Theodore. 

Benedict (unranked)-Benedict is as classic as Theodore with accessible nicknames "Ben" and "Dick". Benedict also shares Theodore's three-syllable structure, mid-"d" sound, and connections to many saints. It connects to many popes and bishops, too, making it extra christian. 

Dorian (#511)-Having only been used since Oscar Wilde's 1891 novel, The Picture of Dorian Gray, was published, Dorian has a much shorter history of use than Theodore. Still, Dorian contains Theodore's "dor" sound and three-syllable elaborate structure. It appeared in several other literary works, too. 

Edward (#195)-Edward isn't just classic, but it also shortens to a nickname that rhymes with "Teddy". However, Edward currently feels most stylish when used in full. Edward also has Theodore's "r" sound along with its literary and saintly connections. 

Frederick (#485)-Classic Frederick shortens to "Freddy", which, like "Eddie", rhymes with "Teddy". This makes Frederick a natural substitute for Theodore. A few saints have answered to the name. Frederick also has connections to classic literature, including Frederick Tilney from Jane Austen's 1817 novel, Northanger Abbey and Duke Frederick from William Shakespeare's play As You Like It.

Horatio (unranked)-Vintage Horatio has existed since at least the eighteenth century and was common in Victorian England. Despite lacking classic status, Horatio is an elaborate name featuring Theodore's "or" sound that has appeared in classic literature, including Shakespeare's Hamlet. 

Leonard (#634)-This classic name can shorten to "Leo", which rhymes with "Theo" despite being popular as a standalone choice. Leonard also connects to multiple saints in the same way as Theodore. It has Theodore's "r" and "d" sounds as well. 

Percival (unranked)-Percival is a traditional name, like Theodore, with connections to literature, including Chretien de Troyes's twelfth-century poem. Percival can shorten to "Percy" or maybe "Civvy" as Theodore can shorten to "Teddy" or "Theo". 

Solomon (#406)-Solomon has Theodore's classic status and mid-long "o" sound while mostly never being common. It only made the top 200 in 1880. This name also connects to a saint from the ninth century and a Biblical character, giving it a christian vibe. 

Thaddeus (#785)-Thaddeus, like Theodore, is an elaborate traditional starting with "th" and containing the mid-"d" sound. It also shortens to accessible nicknames "Tad" and "Taddy", which are similar to 'Teddy". The names connects to a few saints, too. 

What name do you think works best as an alternative to Theodore? Which names would you add?