Timothy Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Timothy Name Meaning

Fact: The name Timothy became popular in English-speaking countries after the Protestant Reformation​

Continue Reading…
A Deep Dive

Timothy Overview

Meaning

God’s honor

Gender

Boy

Origin

Greek

Etymology

Derived from the Greek name “Timotheos,” which combines “timao” (to honor) and “theos” (God)

Religion

Christianity

Pronunciation

/ˈtɪməθi/

Popularity

Timothy has been a classic name in the USA and other English-speaking countries. In 2023, Timothy ranked #192 for boys in the USA.

Syllable

3 syllables

Length

7 letters

Numerology

11 (Intuitive, Idealistic, Spiritual)

Name Styles

Traditional, Religious and Spiritual, Classic

Associated Traits

Noble, faithful, steadfast

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Often associated with Saint Timothy, a companion of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament.

Name Day

January 26 (Catholic)
A Deep Dive

Timothy Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Timotheus, Timoteo, Tymothy, Timo, Timofey

Common Nicknames

Tim, Timmy, Timi, Timmie

Diminutives

T, Mo, Tee, Tym, Timbo

Famous People

  • Timothy Dalton
    (British Actor)
  • Timothy Hutton
    (American Actor)
  • Timothy Leary
    (American Psychologist)
  • Timothy McVeigh
    (American Domestic Terrorist)
  • Timothy Zahn
    (American Author)
  • Timothy Olyphant
    (American Actor)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Timothy Lawrence
    ("Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel," Video Game)
  • Timothy
    ("The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," Film)
  • Timothy Olyphant
    ("Justified," TV Series)
  • Timothy McGee
    ("NCIS," TV Series)
  • "Timothy Greenfield-Sanders"
    (Documentary Filmmaker)

Places

  • Timothy Lake
    (Oregon, USA)
  • Timothy Road
    (Georgia, USA)
  • Timothy Hill
    (Saint Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis)
  • Timothy's World Coffee
    (Ontario, Canada)
  • Timothy Dwight College
    (Connecticut, USA)

What Is the Meaning of Timothy?

Timothy means “honoring God,” highlighting a sense of devotion and reverence. This name is often associated with a person who breathes faithfulness and moral integrity.

What Is the Origin of The Name Timothy?

The name Timothy has Greek origins, derived from the Greek name “Timotheos,” which combines “timao” (to honor) and “theos” (God). It was used in ancient Greece and became widely known through the New Testament, where Saint Timothy was a prominent disciple of Saint Paul.

Timothy Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Timothy in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#1992021#2022022#2112023
Top 3 Rankings#111960#111966#111967

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Timothy

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023211
(-9 from 2022)
1733
(-108 from 2022)
0.09464
2022202
(-3 from 2021)
1841
(-80 from 2021)
0.09829
2021199
(-7 from 2020)
1921
(-88 from 2020)
0.10253
2020192
(-4 from 2019)
2009
(-78 from 2019)
0.10861
2019188
(-23 from 2018)
2087
(-268 from 2018)
0.10860
2018165
(-2 from 2017)
2355
(-63 from 2017)
0.12116
2017163
(-11 from 2016)
2418
(-253 from 2016)
0.12218
2016152
(-5 from 2015)
2671
(-129 from 2015)
0.13186
2015147
(-13 from 2014)
2800
(-211 from 2014)
0.13696
2014134
(-10 from 2013)
3011
(-55 from 2013)
0.14693
2013124
(-6 from 2012)
3066
(-53 from 2012)
0.15173
2012118
(+5 from 2011)
3119
(-114 from 2011)
0.15371
2011123
(-9 from 2010)
3233
(-220 from 2010)
0.15915
2010114
(-5 from 2009)
3453
(-318 from 2009)
0.16808
2009109
(-2 from 2008)
3771
(-321 from 2008)
0.17780
2008107
(-8 from 2007)
4092
(-344 from 2007)
0.18767
200799
(-6 from 2006)
4436
(-268 from 2006)
0.20026
200693
(-9 from 2005)
4704
(-329 from 2005)
0.21456
200584
(-5 from 2004)
5033
(-200 from 2004)
0.23659
200479
(-3 from 2003)
5233
(-253 from 2003)
0.24762
200376
(-6 from 2002)
5486
(-534 from 2002)
0.26109
200270
(-3 from 2001)
6020
(-402 from 2001)
0.29129
200167
(-9 from 2000)
6422
(-839 from 2000)
0.31048
200058
(-9 from 1999)
7261
(-332 from 1999)
0.34769
199949
No change from 1998
7593
(-252 from 1998)
0.37239
199849
(-6 from 1997)
7845
(-657 from 1997)
0.38690
199743
(-3 from 1996)
8502
(-417 from 1996)
0.42557
199640
No change from 1995
8919
(-869 from 1995)
0.44512
199540
(-1 from 1994)
9788
(-980 from 1994)
0.48663
199439
(-1 from 1993)
10768
(-868 from 1993)
0.52827
199338
(-4 from 1992)
11636
(-1226 from 1992)
0.56335
199234
(-2 from 1991)
12862
(-1290 from 1991)
0.61272
199132
(-2 from 1990)
14152
(-1545 from 1990)
0.66765
199030
(-2 from 1989)
15697
(-728 from 1989)
0.72940
198928
(-3 from 1988)
16425
(-382 from 1988)
0.78364
198825
(+1 from 1987)
16807
(-591 from 1987)
0.83940
198726
(+1 from 1986)
17398
(+523 from 1986)
0.89211
198627
(-1 from 1985)
16875
(-264 from 1985)
0.87813
198526
No change from 1984
17139
(+151 from 1984)
0.89061
198426
No change from 1983
16988
(+624 from 1983)
0.90520
198326
(-2 from 1982)
16364
(-1101 from 1982)
0.87809
198224
No change from 1981
17465
(-762 from 1981)
0.92545
198124
(-4 from 1980)
18227
(-923 from 1980)
0.97869
198020
(-2 from 1979)
19150
(+73 from 1979)
1.03248
197918
(-1 from 1978)
19077
(-518 from 1978)
1.06497
197817
(+1 from 1977)
19595
(+1621 from 1977)
1.14684
197718
(+3 from 1976)
17974
(+1354 from 1976)
1.05151
197621
(+1 from 1975)
16620
(+668 from 1975)
1.01801
197522
No change from 1974
15952
(+62 from 1974)
0.98323
197422
No change from 1973
15890
(-147 from 1973)
0.97470
197322
(-1 from 1972)
16037
(-1569 from 1972)
0.99384
197221
No change from 1971
17606
(-2483 from 1971)
1.05170
197121
(-1 from 1970)
20089
(-2337 from 1970)
1.10509
197020
(-3 from 1969)
22426
(-935 from 1969)
1.17736
196917
(-4 from 1968)
23361
(-3137 from 1968)
1.27714
196813
(-2 from 1967)
26498
(-2089 from 1967)
1.49248
196711
No change from 1966
28587
(-341 from 1966)
1.60652
196611
(+1 from 1965)
28928
(+591 from 1965)
1.59152
196512
(+3 from 1964)
28337
(+242 from 1964)
1.49567
196415
No change from 1963
28095
(+910 from 1963)
1.38601
196315
(+1 from 1962)
27185
(+91 from 1962)
1.31670
196216
(-1 from 1961)
27094
(-1155 from 1961)
1.28915
196115
(-4 from 1960)
28249
(-2231 from 1960)
1.30965
196011
(+1 from 1959)
30480
(-279 from 1959)
1.40762
195912
(+1 from 1958)
30759
(+1963 from 1958)
1.41977
195813
(+6 from 1957)
28796
(+4066 from 1957)
1.33632
195719
No change from 1956
24730
(+1437 from 1956)
1.12979
195619
(+3 from 1955)
23293
(+2557 from 1955)
1.08530
195522
(+4 from 1954)
20736
(+3307 from 1954)
0.99203
195426
No change from 1953
17429
(+2242 from 1953)
0.84233
195326
(+1 from 1952)
15187
(+1018 from 1952)
0.75851
195227
(+1 from 1951)
14169
(+1465 from 1951)
0.71804
195128
(+4 from 1950)
12704
(+2204 from 1950)
0.66455
195032
(+2 from 1949)
10500
(+1153 from 1949)
0.57730
194934
(+4 from 1948)
9347
(+1305 from 1948)
0.51870
194838
(+14 from 1947)
8042
(+1296 from 1947)
0.45110
194752
(+8 from 1946)
6746
(+1593 from 1946)
0.36316
194660
(+10 from 1945)
5153
(+1562 from 1945)
0.31223
194570
(+22 from 1944)
3591
(+838 from 1944)
0.26184
194492
(+7 from 1943)
2753
(+175 from 1943)
0.19818
194399
(+9 from 1942)
2578
(+303 from 1942)
0.17723
1942108
(+13 from 1941)
2275
(+643 from 1941)
0.16154
1941121
(+14 from 1940)
1632
(+247 from 1940)
0.13005
1940135
(+18 from 1939)
1385
(+318 from 1939)
0.11676
1939153
(+14 from 1938)
1067
(+185 from 1938)
0.09415
1938167
(+25 from 1937)
882
(+209 from 1937)
0.07761
1937192
(+61 from 1936)
673
(+234 from 1936)
0.06154
1936253
(+28 from 1935)
439
(+68 from 1935)
0.04125
1935281
(+14 from 1934)
371
(+35 from 1934)
0.03469
1934295
(-12 from 1933)
336
(-10 from 1933)
0.03164
1933283
(+16 from 1932)
346
(+5 from 1932)
0.03392
1932299
(+2 from 1931)
341
(-3 from 1931)
0.03174
1931301
(+15 from 1930)
344
(+37 from 1930)
0.03216
1930316
(+8 from 1929)
307
(+15 from 1929)
0.02718
1929324
(+2 from 1928)
292
(-5 from 1928)
0.02636
1928326
(-7 from 1927)
297
(-28 from 1927)
0.02603
1927319
(+32 from 1926)
325
(+51 from 1926)
0.02797
1926351
(-32 from 1925)
274
(-45 from 1925)
0.02392
1925319
(+5 from 1924)
319
(-3 from 1924)
0.02770
1924324
(-1 from 1923)
322
(-3 from 1923)
0.02754
1923323
(+27 from 1922)
325
(+37 from 1922)
0.02870
1922350
(+33 from 1921)
288
(+39 from 1921)
0.02560
1921383
(-18 from 1920)
249
(-20 from 1920)
0.02188
1920365
(+1 from 1919)
269
(+20 from 1919)
0.02444
1919366
(-26 from 1918)
249
(-36 from 1918)
0.02452
1918340
(+4 from 1917)
285
(+25 from 1917)
0.02718
1917344
(-5 from 1916)
260
(+14 from 1916)
0.02710
1916339
(-7 from 1915)
246
(-7 from 1915)
0.02665
1915332
(+21 from 1914)
253
(+79 from 1914)
0.02872
1914353
(-36 from 1913)
174
(+14 from 1913)
0.02546
1913317
(+17 from 1912)
160
(+32 from 1912)
0.02984
1912334
(-55 from 1911)
128
(+40 from 1911)
0.02835
1911279
No change from 1910
88
(+13 from 1910)
0.03645
1910279
(-4 from 1909)
75
(+8 from 1909)
0.03597
1909275
(-18 from 1908)
67
No change from 1908
0.03788
1908257
(-30 from 1907)
67
(-14 from 1907)
0.04027
1907227
(+46 from 1906)
81
(+29 from 1906)
0.05108
1906273
(-49 from 1905)
52
(-21 from 1905)
0.03609
1905224
(+25 from 1904)
73
(+15 from 1904)
0.05097
1904249
(+14 from 1903)
58
(+9 from 1903)
0.04188
1903263
(-34 from 1902)
49
(-13 from 1902)
0.03789
1902229
(-11 from 1901)
62
No change from 1901
0.04670
1901218
(+10 from 1900)
62
(-14 from 1900)
0.05364
1900228
(-12 from 1899)
76
(+16 from 1899)
0.04688
1899216
(-17 from 1898)
60
(-15 from 1898)
0.05209
1898199
(+23 from 1897)
75
(+17 from 1897)
0.05678
1897222
(-13 from 1896)
58
(-14 from 1896)
0.04756
1896209
(+18 from 1895)
72
(+12 from 1895)
0.05578
1895227
(-23 from 1894)
60
(-11 from 1894)
0.04738
1894204
(+15 from 1893)
71
(+9 from 1893)
0.05685
1893219
(-14 from 1892)
62
(-9 from 1892)
0.05122
1892205
(-17 from 1891)
71
(+5 from 1891)
0.05401
1891188
(+33 from 1890)
66
(+10 from 1890)
0.06040
1890221
(-55 from 1889)
56
(-26 from 1889)
0.04678
1889166
(+31 from 1888)
82
(+6 from 1888)
0.06889
1888197
(+13 from 1887)
76
(+22 from 1887)
0.05850
1887210
(-29 from 1886)
54
(-20 from 1886)
0.04940
1886181
(+18 from 1885)
74
(+10 from 1885)
0.06216
1885199
(-18 from 1884)
64
(-13 from 1884)
0.05520
1884181
(+9 from 1883)
77
(+15 from 1883)
0.06274
1883190
(-4 from 1882)
62
(-9 from 1882)
0.05512
1882186
(-2 from 1881)
71
(+8 from 1881)
0.05818
1881184
(-4 from 1880)
63
(-7 from 1880)
0.05818
1880180
First SSA data recorded
70
First SSA data recorded
0.05912

American States Popularity Rankings for Timothy

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#2672021#2782022#2562023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#1982021#2162022#2072023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#1432021#1722022#1812023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#1582021#1792022#1512023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#1752021#2182022#2032023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#1592021#1712022#2272023

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#2602021#2792022#2682023

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#1972021#1812022#1682023

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#1992021#2162022#2252023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#1832021#1352022#1752023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#1812021#1712022#1602023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#1932021#1642022#2552023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#1582021#1462022#2142023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#1832021#2122022#2152023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2182021#2762022#2572023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#2042021#2272022#2882023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#1782021#1522022#1562023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#1282021#1482022#1692023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#1872021#1472022#1542023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#1882021#1522022#1602023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#1942021#1682022#2682023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#1422021#1212022#1302023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#2522021#2182022#2162023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#1522021#1732022#962023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#2302021#2042022#1842023

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#2182021#2202022#2262023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#1592021#2032022#2912023

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#3442021#2542022#2622023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#1232021#1742022#1492023

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2032021#1492022#2102023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#1842021#2802022#2212023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#2332021#2442022#2362023

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2102021#3452022#1952023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#2412021#3532022#3832023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#2032021#2102022#1712023

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#2622020#1582021#2002022

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#1852021#2452022#2342023

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#1702021#2082022#1602023

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#3132021#3502022#2702023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#2832018#1332020#1812021

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#2942021#3522022#2852023

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1252019#2252020#2002021

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1632020#2992021#2872023

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1702021#1312022#1602023

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#1432021#2292022#2522023

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1512013#892014#1382017

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#1962020#2462022#1792023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#3342021#1962022#2862023

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#1812019#2282022#2072023

Alaska (AK)

Alaska (AK) flagAlaska (AK)#1542021#852022#2002023

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#1262020#1272021#1202023

Popularity Rankings for Timothy in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Other American Territories

American Samoa flag American Samoa
Guam flag Guam
Northern Mariana Islands flag Northern Mariana Islands
U.S. Virgin Islands flag U.S. Virgin Islands

Other American Territories flagOther American Territories#692009#582011#512017

Popularity in Australia (NSW)

Australia (NSW) flagAustralia (NSW)#862003#982004#782005

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#2472021#2492022#1792023

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#2001998#1911999#1902001

Popularity in Northern Ireland

Northern Ireland flagNorthern Ireland#2492021#4142022#2492023

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#2962021#2622022#2542023

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2592021#2662022#3162023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#3362019#3882020#3852021

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4422017#3502020#4352023

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#3671998#3822000

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#3842021#4592022#4462023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#4102020#4482021#4982022

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#4252022#5082023

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#5112015#4712018#4882019

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#4842008

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#5872020#7942021#8272022

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Timothy a Name for Boys or Girls?

Timothy is a well-liked name for boys, appreciated for its rich and meaningful heritage. Its blend of traditional roots and modern appeal makes it a preferred option for many families.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Timothy

Timothy in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Timothy Dalton (Actor, born 1946): A British actor famous for playing James Bond in "The Living Daylights" and "Licence to Kill."
  • Timothy Hutton (Actor, born 1960): An American actor who won an Academy Award for his role in "Ordinary People."
  • Timothy Leary (Psychologist, 1920–1996): An American psychologist and writer, well-known for his advocacy of psychedelic drugs.
  • Timothy McVeigh (Terrorist, 1968–2001): An American domestic terrorist responsible for the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995.
  • Timothy Zahn (Author, born 1951): An American science fiction writer, best known for his "Star Wars" novels.
  • Timothy Olyphant (Actor, born 1968): An American actor recognized for his roles in "Deadwood" and "Justified."
  • Timothy Spall (Actor, born 1957): A British actor acclaimed for his work in films like "Secrets & Lies" and the "Harry Potter" series.
  • Timothy Geithner (Economist, born 1961): An American economist who served as the 75th Secretary of the Treasury.
  • Timothy Lawrence ("Borderlands: The Pre-Sequel," 2014 Video Game): A former body double for Handsome Jack who becomes a playable character.
  • Timothy ("The Secret Life of Walter Mitty," 2013 Film): Features a character navigating his daydreams and adventures.
  • Timothy Olyphant ("Justified," 2010 TV Series): Portrays Raylan Givens, a Deputy U.S. Marshal enforcing his own brand of justice.
  • Timothy McGee ("NCIS," 2003 TV Series): A special agent known for his computer skills and evolving field expertise.
  • "Timothy Greenfield-Sanders" (Documentary Filmmaker): Known for his work in capturing the essence of notable personalities through his lens.
  • "Timothy Goes to School" (2000 TV Series): Follows the adventures of a young raccoon named Timothy and his friends in kindergarten.
  • Timothy Drake ("Batman: The Animated Series," 1992 TV Series): The third Robin, known for his detective skills and loyalty to Batman.
  • Timothy Cavendish ("Cloud Atlas," 2012 Film): A publisher who finds himself in a series of bizarre and dangerous situations.
  • "Timothy of the Cay" (1993 Novel): A prequel-sequel to "The Cay," exploring Timothy’s early life and his relationship with Phillip.
  • Timothy City (Minnesota, USA): A small community in Minnesota offering a quiet, rural lifestyle.
  • Timothy Lake (Oregon, USA): A beautiful lake in Oregon, perfect for fishing, boating, and camping.
  • Timothy Road (Georgia, USA): A major road in Athens, Georgia, lined with residential and commercial properties.
  • Timothy Creek (British Columbia, Canada): A serene creek in British Columbia, known for its picturesque scenery and wildlife.
  • Timothy Hill (Saint Kitts, Saint Kitts and Nevis): A famous hill on the island of Saint Kitts offering breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Timothy's Cafe (Ontario, Canada): A popular cafe in Ontario serving a variety of beverages and snacks.
  • Timothy Dwight College (Connecticut, USA): One of the residential colleges at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut.
  • Timothy Trail (California, USA): A hiking trail in California offering scenic views and a peaceful retreat into nature.

Similar Names to Timothy