Theodulus

Theodulus is a Latinized form of the Greek name Θεόδουλος (Theodoulos), meaning "servant of god", derived from θεός (theos) meaning "god" and δοῦλος (doulos) meaning "slave, servant". This name was borne by several early saints.

Etymology and Origin

The name belongs to a class of theophoric names that express devotion, akin to Christodoulos ("servant of Christ"). The elements theos and doulos come from Ancient Greek; the compound was later adapted into Latin as Theodulus and spread through Christian liturgy. The Arabic name Abdullah and the Hebrew name Obadiah share the exact semantic meaning.

Historical and Religious Context

Early Christian martyrs and bishops are recorded with this name. Noteworthy figures include Theodulus of Grammont (died c. 400 AD), a bishop of Sion in Switzerland; a saint who was a son of Nilus of Sinai; and Leontius, Hypatius and Theodulus, group of martyrs. The name also appears in the Latin poem Eclogue of Theodulus, a medieval allegory whose authorship was attributed to a supposed Greek poet named Theodulus, subsequently influencing Western literature. In the Byzantine world, Theodoulos Parsakoutenos (fl. 960s) served as a general under the emperor Nikephoros II Phokas.

Related Forms

The related Spanish form Teódulo is attested. The female form Theodula (as in Theodula of Anazarbus) also exists.

• Meaning: "servant of god"
• Origin: Greek (Theodoulos), Latinized as Theodulus
• Type: Theophoric given name
• Usage regions: Early Christian world, later Latin/Mediterranean