Ted is short for Theodore. It may also be short for Edward. If you're looking for the etymology of these two names see: http://www.behindthename.com/name/theodore & http://www.behindthename.com/name/edward
"Ted" is commonly a diminutive form of the name "Edward" or "Theodore." It can also be short for names like "Teddy," which is often associated with "Theodore," especially in reference to Teddy bears. Additionally, "Ted" may sometimes be used as a nickname for other names starting with "Ted" or "Teddy."
Ted Theodore died on 1950-02-09.
Ted Theodore was born on 1884-12-29.
Theodore 'Ted' Blunt was born on 1943-03-22.
ted theodore logan esquire
Theodore John Forsi goes by Ted Forsi, and T.J. Forsi.
Classically, Ted is short for Theodore. Ted is also a rhyming nickname for Edward (rhymes with nickname "Ed"). Nicknaming conventions seem to be very evolutionary and vary from time to time. For a brief summary of much of these names, see http://www.namenerds.com/uucn/advice/nickhistory.html.
Theodore Sorensen went by Ted.
Theodore Saidenberg went by Ted.
Theodore Sturgeon went by Ted.
Theodore McCoy goes by Ted.