Timothy Boy
Origin(s)
PronunciationTIM-uh-thee / /ˈtɪməθi/Greek; Hebrew
Meaning
Greek: 'honoring God'; Hebrew: 'God's honor'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Timothy originates from the Greek name Τιμόθεος (Timotheos), which is composed of the elements 'timao' meaning 'to honor' and 'theos' meaning 'God.' This etymological foundation suggests a meaning of 'honoring God.' The name was adopted into Latin as Timotheus before making its way into Old French and eventually into Middle English as Timothy, where it became established in the English-speaking world by the late Middle Ages.
Timothy is notably recognized in Christian tradition, particularly as a companion of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament. He is mentioned in several epistles, including 1 and 2 Timothy, which are attributed to Paul and provide guidance to Timothy in his ministry. These letters date back to the first century CE and have played a significant role in Christian theology and ecclesiastical history, contributing to the name's enduring presence in Christian communities.
The name Timothy has also been associated with various saints, including Saint Timothy, who is commemorated in the Christian liturgical calendar on January 26. His legacy as a faithful disciple and leader in the early Church has reinforced the name's significance within Christian culture. Additionally, Timothy has been used in various literary works and translations, including the King James Bible, which helped to solidify its place in religious and cultural contexts.
Symbolically, the name Timothy conveys themes of faithfulness and devotion, reflecting its biblical roots. The diminutive form Tim has emerged as a common variant, further illustrating the name's adaptability and resonance across different cultures and eras.
Trend Summary
Timothy has experienced fluctuating popularity in the United States, peaking in the 1960s and 1970s.
Similar Names
Variants
- Tim
- Timmy
International Variants
- Timoteo (Italian)
- Timothé (French)
- Timofey (Russian)
- Timo (Finnish)
Famous people named Timothy
Timothy Dalton is an actor best known for James Bond films The Living Daylights and Licence to Kill.
Timothy Olyphant is an actor best known for Justified, Deadwood, and Santa Clarita Diet.
Timothy Spall is an actor best known for Mr. Turner, The King's Speech, and Harry Potter series.
Timothy Hutton is an actor best known for Ordinary People, The Last Seduction, and Leverage.
Timothy McVeigh is known as the perpetrator of the Oklahoma City bombing.
Fictional characters named Timothy
Timothy is a fictional character from the children's book series The Tale of Timmy Tiptoes by Beatrix Potter. He is a clever little squirrel who gets into various adventures in the woods.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Timothy was first seen in the United States in 1880. Timothy has ranked as high as #19 nationally, which occurred in 1959, and has been most popular in California, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Timothy has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Timothy (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 150 | |
CA | 137 | |
FL | 101 | |
NY | 90 | |
OH | 88 | |
PA | 79 | |
NC | 77 | |
GA | 64 | |
IL | 54 | |
AL | 51 | |
VA | 50 | |
IN | 49 | |
MA | 47 | |
MO | 44 | |
KY | 44 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 70 |
1881 | 63 |
1882 | 71 |
1883 | 62 |
1884 | 77 |
1885 | 64 |
1886 | 74 |
1887 | 54 |
1888 | 76 |
1889 | 82 |
1890 | 56 |
1891 | 66 |
1892 | 71 |
1893 | 62 |
1894 | 71 |
1895 | 60 |
1896 | 72 |
1897 | 58 |
1898 | 75 |
1899 | 60 |
1900 | 76 |
1901 | 62 |
1902 | 62 |
1903 | 49 |
1904 | 58 |
1905 | 73 |
1906 | 52 |
1907 | 81 |
1908 | 67 |
1909 | 67 |
1910 | 75 |
1911 | 88 |
1912 | 128 |
1913 | 160 |
1914 | 174 |
1915 | 253 |
1916 | 246 |
1917 | 260 |
1918 | 285 |
1919 | 249 |
1920 | 269 |
1921 | 249 |
1922 | 288 |
1923 | 325 |
1924 | 322 |
1925 | 319 |
1926 | 274 |
1927 | 325 |
1928 | 297 |
1929 | 292 |
1930 | 307 |
1931 | 344 |
1932 | 341 |
1933 | 346 |
1934 | 336 |
1935 | 371 |
1936 | 439 |
1937 | 673 |
1938 | 882 |
1939 | 1,067 |
1940 | 1,385 |
1941 | 1,632 |
1942 | 2,275 |
1943 | 2,578 |
1944 | 2,754 |
1945 | 3,591 |
1946 | 5,152 |
1947 | 6,747 |
1948 | 8,043 |
1949 | 9,346 |
1950 | 10,498 |
1951 | 12,704 |
1952 | 14,167 |
1953 | 15,188 |
1954 | 17,427 |
1955 | 20,738 |
1956 | 23,289 |
1957 | 24,733 |
1958 | 28,794 |
1959 | 30,784 |
1960 | 30,485 |
1961 | 28,246 |
1962 | 27,107 |
1963 | 27,182 |
1964 | 28,097 |
1965 | 28,332 |
1966 | 28,927 |
1967 | 28,587 |
1968 | 26,497 |
1969 | 23,359 |
1970 | 22,427 |
1971 | 20,089 |
1972 | 17,605 |
1973 | 16,035 |
1974 | 15,892 |
1975 | 15,948 |
1976 | 16,621 |
1977 | 17,976 |
1978 | 19,597 |
1979 | 19,078 |
1980 | 19,147 |
1981 | 18,228 |
1982 | 17,463 |
1983 | 16,363 |
1984 | 16,988 |
1985 | 17,138 |
1986 | 16,875 |
1987 | 17,397 |
1988 | 16,808 |
1989 | 16,427 |
1990 | 15,699 |
1991 | 14,153 |
1992 | 12,862 |
1993 | 11,638 |
1994 | 10,768 |
1995 | 9,788 |
1996 | 8,919 |
1997 | 8,502 |
1998 | 7,845 |
1999 | 7,593 |
2000 | 7,261 |
2001 | 6,422 |
2002 | 6,020 |
2003 | 5,486 |
2004 | 5,233 |
2005 | 5,034 |
2006 | 4,706 |
2007 | 4,437 |
2008 | 4,094 |
2009 | 3,772 |
2010 | 3,453 |
2011 | 3,233 |
2012 | 3,123 |
2013 | 3,068 |
2014 | 3,011 |
2015 | 2,801 |
2016 | 2,672 |
2017 | 2,418 |
2018 | 2,355 |
2019 | 2,092 |
2020 | 2,010 |
2021 | 1,921 |
2022 | 1,844 |
2023 | 1,742 |
2024 | 1,708 |