Declining since 1985, #203 for boys today.
Popularity of Timothy since 1880
Babies named Timothy per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1959, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Timothy's real moment was 1967.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 693 |
| 1890s | 650 |
| 1900s | 647 |
| 1910s | 1,918 |
| 1920s | 2,960 |
| 1930s | 5,105 |
| 1940s | 43,503 |
| 1950s | 198,324 |
| 1960s | 276,837 |
| 1970s | 181,260 |
| 1980s | 172,835 |
| 1990s | 107,772 |
| 2000s | 52,470 |
| 2010s | 28,234 |
| 2020s | 10,984 |
Meaning & origin
Timothy is a name with deep biblical roots, consistently among the top 1,000 names in the U.S. since records began in 1880. It reached its peak popularity in 1967, when it was the 23rd most popular name for boys. Over the decades, its usage has gradually declined, falling sharply since 1985, and by 2025 it ranked 203rd, appearing in roughly 1 in 985 births. Despite its long decline, it retains a strong presence, particularly in states like Mississippi, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire, where it has ranked among the top names for boys. The name saw its greatest heights during the 1960s, and its trajectory since then shows a steady falling trend, yet it remains a recognized classic.
Timothy is the English form of the Greek name Τιμόθεος (Timotheos), derived from τιμάω (timao) 'to honor' and θεός (theos) 'god', giving the meaning 'honoring God'. The name was borne by a companion of Saint Paul in the New Testament, to whom two epistles are addressed, and it has been widely used among Christians since the early church. It was adopted in England after the Protestant Reformation and has remained a common given name. In the United States, Timothy has been consistently popular, peaking in the mid-20th century.
Where Timothy is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Timothy” around the world
Where Timothy lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Ireland
12
babies in 2025
New Zealand
22
babies in 2025
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Tim, Timmy
Sibling names for Timothy
Names that share Timothy's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Rebecca, Deborah, Susan, Cynthia, Sandra, Belinda, Christine, Kathleen, Kim, Cathleen, Damaris, Jerilyn, Lauri, Suzanna, Deedra, Geralyn, Melissia, Tammera, Taunya, Cyndee, Gerilyn, Kariann, Kerianne, Maurene, Persis, Shellee, Sherrilyn, Tamitha, Terina, Apphia, Betania, Cariann, Carrianne, Jowanna, Keryn, Lezli, Lynanne, Tamla, Taunia, Thecla, Trinia, Tunya, Briggette, Derhonda, Geriann, Jamice, Kery, Khristi, Lauriann, Marabeth, Pamelyn, Syrita, Tabathia, Tacia, Tamilyn, Tammatha, Timica, Timothea, Tracyann, Tryphena
Brothers: Robert, Kenneth, Richard, Michael, Peter, Barry, Gregory, Stephen, Zachary, Darin, Derick, Geremy, Bartholomew, Greggory, Jairus, Theophilus, Barnabas, Cephus, Dennys, Gregery, Jeromie, Philemon, Tarrance, Zaccheus, Cleophas, Erastus, Gregrey, Jeris, Tarance, Theophil, Christorpher, Gregroy, Kimothy
Names like Timothy
Names whose popularity has moved with Timothy's over the last 50 years.
