Theodota

This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Theodótos (Θεοδότος),” composed of two elements: “theós ‎(θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God) plus “dídōmi ‎(δίδωμι) dotós (δοτός)” (give, present, offer, grant, allow, permit). In turn, the name means “given to God, the gift of God.” Theodotus of Byzantium was an early Christian writer from Byzantium, one of several named Theodotus, whose writings were condemned as heresy in the early church. He claimed that Jesus was born of the Virgin Mary and the Holy Spirit as a non-divine man, and though later “adopted” by God upon baptism (that is to say, he became the Christ), was not himself God until after his resurrection. Theodote was the second consort empress and consort of Constantine VI of the Byzantine Empire. Theodote was also a member of an illustrious family in Constantinople.