Luke wrote in the classical Greek style, and when he addresses his works to "Theophilus," it was most likely a literary convention. Theophilus means "one who loves God," and it stands for the whole audience whom Luke is addressing. Victorian writers had a similar convention where they would address their audience as "dear reader," or "gentle reader." Luke addresses his readership under the collective metaphor "Theophilus," that is, "dear lover of God" or dear "beloved of God."I like the name, but it does sound a little like "the awfullest."
― Anonymous User 6/30/2018
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This is also the name of the main character of the 'Theophilus' comic strip (as well as being the name of the comic strip itself). The Christian comic strip was founded by illustrator Bob West and syndicated from February 6, 1966 through April 19, 2002.
Two modern bearers of this name:Theophilus Musa London (born February 23, 1987, Trinidad and Tobago), Trinidadian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, DJ, record producer, actor, fashion designer. Theophilus "Theo" Martins III (born 1987, Providence, Rhode Island), Nigerian-American rapper, singer, songwriter, DJ, producer, and model.
I love this name. Theodore is wonderful too, with the nickname Theo. Theophilus is super cool, although possibly not as usable as Theodore - but I can imagine it in use, with the nickname options of both Theo and Phil.
In the New Testament, the books of Luke and Acts were written to Theophilus, a Greek man of God, by the physician Luke. We don't know much about him, other than that he probably chose the name for himself after he converted to Christianity. (As a sidenote, I adore this name and plan on using it for my son).
German forms of this name are Theophil and Theofil. [noted -ed]
― Anonymous User 12/5/2009
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I've never seen it used as a first name, but it is my maiden name. It's listed here as Greek/Biblical, but anyone I've met with it is of Welsh descent.
We considered the name Theophilus for our last child and are thinking of it again for this one. I was a little cowardly to use such a unique name before and planned to just use Theo, but my husband is pulling for the whole name, Theophilus. We would still call him Theo. I sure do think it is a strong sounding name.
When I first saw this name, I immediately thought "Greek". It's funny because there were two guys at my school two years ago both named Theophilus, which I thought was an extremely rare name. It sort of sounds like "monopoly" though, but I still like it.
A form of this name that is used in Romania is Teophil.
― Anonymous User 8/13/2007
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I also love the name, but prefer the Polish version Teofil (Thay-oh-fuel) - hard to do without explaining Polish accent. Anyways, the name is strong and yet sweet. My great grandpa was born in Poland was named this: Teofil Jozef. That is what I want to name my son.
― Anonymous User 12/4/2006
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I am really in with love this name. Truthfully, I'm quite surprised more people aren't naming their baby boys this great name. It's very wholesome and strong; and it has a great meaning. Perhaps it sounds too "ancient" for some today, but I really think that this name could make a big comeback sometime in the future, or at least I hope it does. It's not too short and not too long; and it's relatively easy to pronounce. If I ever have a son, I will most likely name him Theophilus.
― Anonymous User 6/13/2006
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A good nickname would be 'Phil'.
― Anonymous User 6/13/2006
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This is one of the real middle names of Mozart. His full name is Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart.