What does Tobey mean and where does it come from?
Tobey is a variation of the name Toby, which is traditionally male but has become increasingly used for females. Its origin is Hebrew, meaning 'God is good' (יָטַב, Yatab), and signifies blessings or goodness in life. The name gained traction in English-speaking countries, particularly in the 20th c
Cultural significance
Tobey has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is good.
Peak popularity
Reached #1763 in 1975 — currently #1094 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tobey?
Tobey works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tobey Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tobey Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tobey Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tobey Claire
French influence · crisp
Tobey Jane
Literary · strong
Tobey Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tobey right now?
Holding steady — currently #1094 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1094 | 1,106 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1099 | 1,086 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1104 | 1,056 | ▲ up 15518 · +21020% births |
| 2005 | #16622 | 5 | ▼ down 5989 · -29% births |
| 1995 | #10633 | 7 | ▲ up 2515 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #13148 | 5 | ▼ down 4690 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #8458 | 7 | ▼ down 3894 · -56% births |
| 1980 | #4564 | 16 | ▼ down 2801 · -70% births |
| 1975 | #1763 | 53 | ▲ up 962 · +104% births |
| 1970 | #2725 | 26 | ▲ up 145 · +37% births |
| 1965 | #2870 | 19 | ▲ up 1021 · +90% births |
| 1955 | #3891 | 10 | ▲ up 219 · +25% births |
| 1950 | #4110 | 8 | ▼ down 573 |
| 1945 | #3537 | 8 | ▲ up 547 · +33% births |
| 1940 | #4084 | 6 | — |
The story of Tobey
Tobey entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 2,408 total births recorded, Tobey remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4084 in 1940 to #1094 in 2023. Tobey is used for both genders: 31% female and 69% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tobey in 1975:
Tobey by decade
Tobey peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 17 | |
| 1930s | 18 | |
| 1940s | 148 | |
| 1950s | 195 | |
| 1960s | 280 | |
| 1970s ★ | 668 | |
| 1980s | 223 | |
| 1990s | 141 | |
| 2000s | 500 | |
| 2010s | 195 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
💎With 2,408 total births, Tobey is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tobey?
What names sound and feel like Tobey?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tobey also consider these
Common questions about the name Tobey
What does the name Tobey mean?
Tobey means "God is good" — a name rooted in English 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 Tobey?
Tobey is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Tobey?
Tobey originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Tobey a common or rare name?
Tobey is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Tobey more of a girl or boy name?
Tobey is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.