Holding steady.
Popularity of Tobe since 1880
Babies named Tobe per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Tobe's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 121 |
| 1890s | 91 |
| 1900s | 58 |
| 1910s | 136 |
| 1920s | 108 |
| 1930s | 55 |
| 1940s | 66 |
| 1950s | 42 |
| 1960s | 55 |
| 1970s | 91 |
| 1980s | 25 |
| 1990s | 15 |
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 20 |
| 2020s | 16 |
Meaning & origin
Tobe is a rare masculine name that has appeared in U.S. birth records since 1880 but has never reached widespread popularity. It likely originated as a short form of Tobias, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'God is good.' The name's peak year was 1881, though even then it was given to only a handful of babies. In recent decades, Tobe has maintained a very low but stable level of use, with no notable surge or decline. The name has not been recorded in any top states, reflecting its rarity across the country. Parents who choose Tobe today may appreciate its vintage, straightforward sound and its connection to the more familiar Toby. As a concise and uncommon choice, Tobe stands out for its simplicity without feeling trendy.
Tobe is likely a short form or nickname for Tobias, a name of Hebrew origin meaning 'God is good' (from Hebrew טוביה Toviyah). Tobias entered English through the Greek form Tobias in the Bible. Tobe gained some use as an independent given name in the 19th century, especially in the United States, where it was recorded as early as 1880. It has remained rare and stable in usage.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Tobe
Names that share Tobe's style, for a brother or sister.
