What does Tobias mean and where does it come from?
Tobias is derived from the Hebrew name טוֹבִיָּה, Toviyyah, meaning 'God is good'. The name has ancient roots, appearing in the biblical Book of Tobit, known from the Apocrypha. The name was popularized in Christian cultures and has variations in various languages, including 'Tobias' in German and E
Cultural significance
Tobias has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of god is good.
Peak popularity
Reached #246 in 2016 — currently #279 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tobias?
Tobias works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tobias Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tobias Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tobias Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tobias Claire
French influence · crisp
Tobias Jane
Literary · strong
Tobias Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tobias right now?
Holding steady — currently #279 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #279 | 1,220 | ▼ down 3 · -3% births |
| 2022 | #276 | 1,260 | stable · +1% births |
| 2021 | #276 | 1,243 | ▼ down 8 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #268 | 1,268 | ▲ up 48 · +13% births |
| 2015 | #316 | 1,120 | ▲ up 206 · +126% births |
| 2010 | #522 | 495 | ▼ down 39 · -4% births |
| 2005 | #483 | 516 | ▲ up 104 · +52% births |
| 2000 | #587 | 339 | ▲ up 131 · +54% births |
| 1995 | #718 | 220 | ▲ up 4 · +11% births |
| 1990 | #722 | 199 | ▼ down 8 · +30% births |
| 1985 | #714 | 153 | ▼ down 167 · -38% births |
| 1980 | #547 | 245 | ▼ down 26 · +3% births |
| 1975 | #521 | 239 | ▲ up 176 · +68% births |
| 1970 | #697 | 142 | ▲ up 178 · +103% births |
| 1965 | #875 | 70 | — |
The story of Tobias
Tobias has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 23,048 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #801 in 1880 to #279 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Tobias in 2016:
Tobias by decade
Tobias peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 38 | |
| 1890s | 23 | |
| 1900s | 37 | |
| 1910s | 144 | |
| 1920s | 155 | |
| 1930s | 107 | |
| 1940s | 160 | |
| 1950s | 243 | |
| 1960s | 576 | |
| 1970s | 2,101 | |
| 1980s | 1,800 | |
| 1990s | 2,264 | |
| 2000s | 4,786 | |
| 2010s ★ | 9,346 | |
| 2020s | 1,268 | |
What are good nicknames for Tobias?
Famous people named Tobias
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Tobias (historical figure)
Tobias bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Tobias?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tobias also consider these
How is Tobias written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Tobias
What does the name Tobias mean?
Tobias means "God is good" — a name rooted in Hebrew 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 Tobias?
Tobias is currently ranked #279 in the United States 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 Tobias?
Tobias originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew 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 Tobias?
Tobias is a three-syllable name pronounced T AH0 B AY1 AH0 S. 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 Tobias?
Tobias pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.