The name Timika is believed to have its origins in the Indonesian language. It is derived from the word "timah," which means "tin" in Indonesian. This suggests that the name may have been initially associated with tin mining or metalworking communities in the Indonesian archipelago.

The earliest recorded use of the name Timika can be traced back to the 16th century, during the era of the Sultanate of Ternate, a major maritime power in eastern Indonesia. Historical records from this period mention Timika as a personal name among the nobility and ruling classes of the region.

One notable historical figure bearing the name Timika was a princess from the royal family of Ternate in the late 16th century. She was known for her diplomatic skills and played a crucial role in negotiating alliances between the Sultanate and neighboring kingdoms.

In the 18th century, a famous Indonesian explorer and cartographer named Timika was responsible for mapping several islands in the eastern part of the Indonesian archipelago. His detailed charts and navigational maps were widely used by sailors and traders during that time.

During the Dutch colonial period in Indonesia, which lasted from the 17th to the 20th century, the name Timika was also found among the local population. One notable example was Timika Suryani, a prominent activist who fought for women's rights and education in the late 19th century.

Another historical figure with the name Timika was a renowned painter from Java in the early 20th century. Her vibrant and distinctive style helped shape the modern Indonesian art movement of that era.

In more recent times, the name Timika has been associated with a city in the province of Papua, Indonesia, which is known for its rich deposits of tin and other minerals. This connection to the city's mining heritage further reinforces the name's ties to the Indonesian language and its meaning related to tin.