Rising since 1985, #283 for boys today.
Popularity of Tobias since 1880
Babies named Tobias per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 38 |
| 1890s | 23 |
| 1900s | 37 |
| 1910s | 144 |
| 1920s | 155 |
| 1930s | 107 |
| 1940s | 160 |
| 1950s | 243 |
| 1960s | 576 |
| 1970s | 2,102 |
| 1980s | 1,807 |
| 1990s | 2,266 |
| 2000s | 4,811 |
| 2010s | 9,410 |
| 2020s | 7,443 |
Meaning & origin
Tobias is a biblical name with enduring appeal, deriving from the Hebrew 'Toviyyah,' meaning 'God is good.' It has been used since the early Christian era, appearing in the Book of Tobit. In the United States, Tobias first appeared in Social Security records in 1880, and it reached its peak popularity in 2016. Beginning in 1985, its usage began a steady rise that continues today. The name is especially favored in states like South Dakota, New Hampshire, and Montana. In 2025, it ranked 283, with roughly 1 in 1,422 newborn boys named Tobias. Its blend of classical roots and approachable nickname 'Toby' keeps it a consistent choice for modern parents seeking a name with gravitas.
Tobias is the Greek and Latin form of the Hebrew name Tobiyah, meaning 'God is good.' It appears in the biblical Book of Tobit, a deuterocanonical book accepted by Catholic and Orthodox traditions. The name was used in medieval Europe and saw a revival in the 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries.
Where Tobias 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.
“Tobias” around the world
Where Tobias lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
120
babies in 2024
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
New Zealand
#71
in 2025
Quebec
16
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · NZ Dept of Internal Affairs (New Zealand) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Toby, Tobe
Variants: Tobiah, Tobiasz, Tobías
Sibling names for Tobias
Names that share Tobias's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Hannah, Lydia, Ada, Esther, Naomi, Faith, Prudence, Tamera, Abilene, Imogen, Tabetha, Veronika, Zabrina, Daphna, Mercie, Providence, Tabytha, Anelis, Samuella, Tabria, Taletha, Tecora, Clariza, Amisadai, Tabathia, Tabithia, Tamelia, Zerah
Brothers: Jonah, Levi, Elias, Silas, Ezra, Levin, Abdias, Ayomide, Damein, Jatniel, Joachim, Magdiel, Thadeus, Timon, Timothey, Yafet, Ezequias, Horatio, Huriel, Isiac, Mattheus, Tabias, Jeptha, Juriel
Names like Tobias
Names whose popularity has moved with Tobias's over the last 50 years.
