What does Tobin mean and where does it come from?
Although Tobin is traditionally a male name, it has been adopted more recently as a feminine form. It traces back to Ireland and gained more attention as a given name for girls in recent years. The surname Tobin has notable bearers, including an American politician and a few prominent public figures
Cultural significance
Tobin has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the name tobias, meaning 'god is good'..
Peak popularity
Reached #6012 in 2016 — currently #2604 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Tobin?
Tobin works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Tobin Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Tobin Rose
Floral · soft ending
Tobin Mae
Sweet · timeless
Tobin Claire
French influence · crisp
Tobin Jane
Literary · strong
Tobin Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Tobin right now?
Falling — down 258 spots — currently #2604 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2604 | 51 | ▼ down 258 · -16% births |
| 2022 | #2346 | 61 | ▼ down 417 · -23% births |
| 2021 | #1929 | 79 | ▲ up 7047 · +618% births |
| 2020 | #8976 | 11 | ▼ down 912 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #8064 | 14 | ▲ up 1371 · +180% births |
| 1975 | #9435 | 5 | ▼ down 3375 · -17% births |
| 1960 | #6060 | 6 | — |
The story of Tobin
Tobin entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 5,414 total births recorded, Tobin remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6060 in 1960 to #2604 in 2023. Tobin is used for both genders: 2% female and 98% male.
Names that peaked alongside Tobin in 2016:
Tobin by decade
Tobin peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 33 | |
| 1950s | 308 | |
| 1960s | 673 | |
| 1970s | 1,085 | |
| 1980s | 464 | |
| 1990s | 431 | |
| 2000s | 1,020 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,305 | |
| 2020s | 95 | |
💎With 5,414 total births, Tobin is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Tobin?
What names sound and feel like Tobin?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Tobin also consider these
Common questions about the name Tobin
What does the name Tobin mean?
Tobin means "derived from the name 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 Tobin?
Tobin is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Tobin?
Tobin 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.
How do you pronounce the name Tobin?
Tobin is a two-syllable name pronounced T OW1 B IH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Tobin a common or rare name?
Tobin is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.