Theodor vs. Theodore

General Name Discussion
1

We are pretty set on the name Theo for our little guy. My husband insists that he be named the “full” name and I have agreed to that, although I think that Theo can stand on its own just fine. (You must compromise in a marriage, right?) So, I agreed to using the full name if we could use the German spelling (Theodor), which omits the e at the end. The common heritage that my husband and I share is German and it is actually the way that Dr. Seuss’s real name is spelled as well.

However…do you think that we are setting our son up for a lot of frustration?? I am someone who actually does hate when people don’t use the traditional spelling (Theodor,a name, for example using a K where a C should be, etc. But, I feel like this rule of mine does not apply since it is really how it is spelled in Germany and a well known historical/literary figure used this spelling. Plus I think that Theodor just looks more manly than Theodore and I think that really he will mostly just use Theo.

I would love to hear your thoughts.

2

[name]Theodor[/name] is the authentic [name]German[/name] spelling and it would be a great way to honor your shared heritage. [name]Will[/name] you be living in [name]North[/name] [name]America[/name] or Europe? If he goes by [name]Theo[/name], I don’t think the missing “e” would be an big issue. He may get a comment once in a while if he has to fill out official forms but it shouldn’t be a major problem.

3

Thanks [name]Mischa[/name], that’s my opinion as well… We will be in [name]North[/name] [name]America[/name]. I think most of the comments will be from our family. They seem to have the most opinions about our names!!! But yes, my main concern was more in the classroom or for official documents. I guess there are crazier names out there…so hopefully it won’t be a big deal for him.