Timothy is of Greek origin, derived from the word 'timō' which means "honoring" or "respecting". It was initially given to children born around the time of a parent's death as a way to honor them and their memory. The name Timothy was quite common among early Christians due to Saint Timothy, who was a companion of Paul the Apostle in the New Testament. In literature, Timothy is perhaps best known as the protagonist's friend in Charles Dickens' novel 'Dombey and Son'. It has also been borne by several historical figures, including Timothy Dexter, an American eccentric millionaire, and Timothy Leary, an American psychologist known for his advocacy of psychedelic drugs. Today, Timothy is considered a classic name with a timeless appeal.
"Timothy is an uncommon name, with only 5 babies named Timothy born in 1968 and a slightly higher number of 6 in 1986, making the total over these two years just 11."