Declining since 2013, #3,181 for boys today.
Popularity of Tobin since 1941
Babies named Tobin per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 33 |
| 1950s | 308 |
| 1960s | 667 |
| 1970s | 1,074 |
| 1980s | 454 |
| 1990s | 431 |
| 2000s | 1,006 |
| 2010s | 1,236 |
| 2020s | 361 |
Meaning & origin
Tobin first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1941, and while it has never broken into the top 1,000, it has maintained a steady niche. The name reached its peak popularity in 2013, after which it began a gradual decline; by 2025 it ranked 3,181. Despite its descent, Tobin retains a distinctive charm, appealing to parents who favor surname-style names with a soft, approachable sound. Its historical connection to the Irish surname Tobin adds a layer of heritage, though its usage as a first name remains primarily modern. The trajectory since 2013 suggests a continued decrease, but its rarity (1 in 46,164 newborns in 2025) means it remains a unique choice.
Tobin is a given name that originated as an English surname. It likely derives from the Middle English personal name Tobb, a diminutive of Robert, meaning 'bright fame.' The surname Tobin was established in Ireland after the Norman invasion, where it became anglicized from the Irish Ó Tóbáin. As a first name, Tobin emerged in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, where it has been in limited but consistent use since the 1940s.
Where Tobin 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Toby, Tobe
Sibling names for Tobin
Names that share Tobin's style, for a brother or sister.
