MallowbyNames

Timo

TEE-moh · Short form and variant of Timothy, meaning 'honoring God' or 'God's honor'.

2025 rank (boys)
#10,695
Babies named in 2025
6
Peak popularity
2023
2025 frequency
1 in 284,679 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 2022

Declining since 2022, #10,695 for boys today.

Popularity of Timo since 1961

Babies named Timo per year in U.S. Social Security records.

61117198020002020Most births 2023Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1960s26
1970s0
1980s27
1990s23
2000s62
2010s67
2020s69

Meaning & origin

The name Timo entered U.S. records in 1961 and has seen modest use, with a peak in 2023. Its 2025 rank of 10,695 reflects a low frequency of about 1 in 284,679 births. While it has no major presence in any single state, its international origins help it feel modern yet grounded. The name's trajectory has been falling since 2022, suggesting a brief spike that is now receding. This decline is typical for names heavily tied to a specific ethnic or cultural niche. Timo's Finnish and German roots provide a straightforward, strong sound that pairs well with many siblings. Overall, it remains a distinctive choice for parents seeking a name that is both classic and uncommon in the U.S.

Timo is primarily a short form of the name Timothy, from the Greek Timotheos (τιμή 'honor' + θεός 'god'). It became established as an independent given name in German-speaking countries as well as in Finland. The name began to be used in the United States in the early 1960s, reflecting immigrant heritage and the broader trend of using short, international names.

Timo” around the world

Where Timo lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.

  • France

    15

    babies in 2024

Sources: INSEE (France).

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Timmo, Tiimo

Sibling names for Timo

Names that share Timo's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

T is for Timo, our favorite little boy.

T is for Timo…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Timo's letter becomes Timo's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Timo's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Timo mean?
Timo is a short form of Timothy, from Greek 'timē' (honor) and 'theos' (god), meaning 'honoring God'.
How popular is the name Timo?
As of 2025, Timo ranked 10,695 in the U.S., with 1 in 284,679 births. Its peak year was 2023.
Is Timo a boy's name or a girl's name?
Timo is almost exclusively used as a masculine name in the United States.