What does Timothy mean and where does it come from?
Timothy has historically been a male name widely used in various cultures, deriving from Greek roots. Its popularity in the United States has been significant for centuries. Despite its masculine origins, the name has been adapted for females in recent years. Notable people include Timothy Leary, a
Cultural significance
Timothy has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greece-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from 'timotheos', meaning 'honoring god' or 'in the honor of god'..
Peak popularity
Reached #11 in 1960 — currently #203 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greece-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Timothy?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Timothy?
Timothy works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Timothy Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Timothy John
One syllable · timeless choice
Timothy Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Timothy Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Timothy Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Timothy Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Timothy right now?
Holding steady — currently #203 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #203 | 1,734 | ▲ up 4 · +1% births |
| 2024 | #207 | 1,721 | ▲ up 4 · -1% births |
| 2023 | #211 | 1,742 | ▼ down 9 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #202 | 1,844 | ▼ down 3 · -4% births |
| 2021 | #199 | 1,921 | ▼ down 6 · -3% births |
| 2020 | #193 | 1,985 | ▼ down 46 · -29% births |
| 2015 | #147 | 2,790 | ▼ down 33 · -19% births |
| 2010 | #114 | 3,444 | ▼ down 30 · -32% births |
| 2005 | #84 | 5,028 | ▼ down 26 · -31% births |
| 2000 | #58 | 7,260 | ▼ down 18 · -26% births |
| 1995 | #40 | 9,787 | ▼ down 10 · -38% births |
| 1990 | #30 | 15,688 | ▼ down 4 · -8% births |
| 1985 | #26 | 17,143 | ▼ down 6 · -11% births |
| 1980 | #20 | 19,155 | ▲ up 2 · +20% births |
| 1975 | #22 | 15,954 | — |
The story of Timothy
Timothy has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #11 in 1960. Over 1079K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Timothy is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Timothy in 1960:
Timothy by decade
Timothy peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 693 | |
| 1890s | 651 | |
| 1900s | 648 | |
| 1910s | 1,919 | |
| 1920s | 2,979 | |
| 1930s | 5,137 | |
| 1940s | 43,614 | |
| 1950s | 198,698 | |
| 1960s ★ | 277,908 | |
| 1970s | 182,432 | |
| 1980s | 174,009 | |
| 1990s | 107,986 | |
| 2000s | 52,527 | |
| 2010s | 28,125 | |
| 2020s | 5,440 | |
What are good nicknames for Timothy?
What names sound and feel like Timothy?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Timothy also consider these
How is Timothy written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Timothy?
Common questions about the name Timothy
What does the name Timothy mean?
Timothy means "From 'Timotheos', meaning 'honoring God' or 'in the honor of God'." — a name rooted in Greece tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Timothy?
Timothy is currently ranked #211 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Timothy?
Timothy originates from Greece tradition. Greece names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Timothy?
Timothy is a three-syllable name pronounced TIM-uth-ee. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Timothy?
Timothy pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greece heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.