Find out how popular the first name Timothy has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Timothy by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Timothy is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Timothy being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,733 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Timothy.

The history of the first name Timothy

The name Timothy has its origins in the Greek language and culture, dating back to ancient times. It is a compound word derived from the Greek elements "timao" meaning "to honor" and "theos" meaning "God." The name essentially translates to "one who honors God" or "revering God."

The earliest recorded use of the name Timothy can be found in the New Testament of the Bible. The name is mentioned in the Epistles written by the Apostle Paul, referring to one of his close companions and disciples, Timothy. This early Christian figure, born around 17 AD, played a significant role in the spread of Christianity and is recognized as a saint in various Christian traditions.

Another notable historical figure bearing the name Timothy was Timothy of Gaza, a Christian martyr who lived in the fourth century AD. He was a deacon who was tortured and executed during the Diocletian persecution of Christians in the Roman Empire.

In the 8th century, Timothy I served as the Ecumenical Patriarch of Constantinople, the spiritual leader of the Eastern Orthodox Church, from 511 to 518 AD. He played a crucial role in resolving theological disputes and promoting the unity of the church.

During the Renaissance period, Timothy Bright (1551-1615) was an English physician and writer who made significant contributions to the field of medicine and published works on various subjects, including melancholy and the treatment of diseases.

In the 18th century, Timothy Dwight (1752-1817) was an American educator, theologian, and the president of Yale College (now Yale University). He played a pivotal role in shaping the educational and religious landscape of his time.

Moving forward in history, Timothy Leary (1920-1996) was an American psychologist and writer who gained notoriety as a counterculture figure and advocate for the exploration of psychedelic drugs in the 1960s.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Timothy throughout history, reflecting its rich cultural and religious heritage, as well as its enduring presence across various eras and societies.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Timothy was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Timothy, please contact us.

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