A slick, modern sounding name that dates back
to ancient mythology.
Origin: |
From the ancient Greek word Θηρων (theron) meaning 'hunter', derived from Θηρ (ther) "wild beast" and the masculine ending -ων (on). Potnia Theron was an epithet of the hunter goddess Artemis, literally translating as "Mistress of the wild beasts." However, in this case θηρ-ῶν (ther-on) was the genitive plural form of Θηρ (ther). |
Usage: |
Theron is found on a few men in Ancient Greece, most notably the Greek city-state leader Theron of Acragas, whose Olympic feats in the chariot race were celebrated by Pindar and is described as being "just in his regard for guests"*. A figure named Theron is also mentioned in Virgil's Aeneid. The character "Great Theron" is described as a warrior ,"huge chief," "large of limbs, of giant height"*. In Britain, Theron is best recognised as an uncommon surname, South African actress Charlize Theron being the most famous bearer. The 1911 census lists only two Theron families, one in Northumberland, the other in Somerset. As a first name, Theron is very rare. There were only 18 registrations of the name recorded between 1840-1940 in England and Wales, and 60 between 1941-2006. The name saw a slight spike in 2008, when seven boys were given the name. The name has seen more usage in the USA, where it has been borne by at least three U.S. Representatives in the 19th century, though it does not rank in the Top 1000 there either. |
Famous Bearers: |
History: * Theron of Acragas (d.473 BC), ruler of Acragas in Sicily from 488 BC. Literature: * Theron Ware is the protagonist in Harold Frederic's 1896 novel The Damnation of Theron Ware, or Illumination. Contemporary: * Theron Sapp (b.1935) is a former American football running back. |
Pronunciation: |
THE-rən, THEE-rən [key] |
Sibling Names: |
Thalia Calla Lyra Mila Evadne Leda |
Name Lists: |
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This post was revised August 2012.