Tobby

“diminutive of Tobias, meaning 'God is good'.”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1136US 2023

1.1kBirths / yr

→Stable

394All-time births

📅 Since 195600

What does Tobby mean and where does it come from?

Tobby is usually considered a variant and diminutive of Tobias, a name with Hebrew origins. The name reflects a positive sentiment about divine benevolence and is used primarily in English-speaking countries. Despite being less common than its fuller counterpart, Tobby possesses a playful charm. The

Cultural significance

Tobby has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of diminutive of tobias, meaning 'god is good'..

Peak popularity

Reached #1564 in 1977 — currently #1136 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Tobby?

Tobby works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Tobby Grace

How popular is Tobby right now?

Holding steady — currently #1136 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#1136 · Top 0.84%

1970

1975

1980

1990

1995

2000

2005

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1136	1,064	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1141	1,044	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1146	1,014	▲ up 11211 · +20180% births
2015	#12357	5	▼ down 1954 · -17% births
2005	#10403	6	▼ down 1009
2000	#9394	6	▼ down 2182 · -14% births
1995	#7212	7	▲ up 1309 · +40% births
1990	#8521	5	▼ down 4533 · -50% births
1980	#3988	10	▼ down 2366 · -69% births
1975	#1622	32	▲ up 493 · +68% births
1970	#2115	19	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Tobby

Best Year2023Rank #1136

Peak Count1,064

Average Rank#5367

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202311 years

The story of Tobby

Tobby entered American naming records in 1956 and has been in use for over 68 years. With 394 total births recorded, Tobby remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2115 in 1970 to #1136 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Tobby in 1977:

Michael Jason Christopher David James

Tobby by decade

Tobby peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	15
1960s	57
1970s ★	233
1980s	40
1990s	32
2000s	12
2010s	5

💎Tobby has only 394 total recorded births since 1956 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Tobby?

Common

TobTo

What names sound and feel like Tobby?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tobby also consider these

Robby

American · bright fame

Bobby

American · English

Hobby

Germanic · The name Hobby

Dobby

United Kingdom · My dear

Kobby

Ghana · born on Tuesday

Common questions about the name Tobby

What does the name Tobby mean?

Tobby means "diminutive of Tobias, meaning 'God is good'." — a name rooted in American 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 Tobby?

Tobby is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Tobby?

Tobby originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Tobby a common or rare name?

Tobby is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

What are good nicknames for Tobby?

Tobby naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.