Timothy, often shortened to Timmy, is a name of Greek origin meaning "honoring God" or "honored by God." It was popularized during the Middle Ages when it was used by several saints and martyrs.
The name Timothy first appeared in the New Testament of the Bible as the companion of Saint Paul. He was a missionary who traveled with Paul, and his name is mentioned in several of Paul's epistles. As a result, the name Timothy has long been associated with faith and spirituality.
Throughout history, many notable individuals have borne the name Timothy or its various nicknames such as Timmy. For example, Timothy Leary was an American psychologist known for advocating psychedelic drug use, while Sir Tim Rice is an English lyricist who has written songs for musicals like The Lion King and Evita.
The name Timmy is often associated with youth due to its playful sound, but it can be used at any age. It projects an image of friendliness, approachability, and a bit of mischief. Whether you're named Timothy or simply know someone by the nickname Timmy, this classic name holds a rich history and meaningful origin that makes it timelessly appealing.
The name Timmy peaked in popularity during the late 1950s and early 1960s, with over a thousand births per year between 1958 and 1963, reaching a high of 1572 births in 1960. However, its usage has significantly declined since then, dropping to single digits in recent years, with only 13 births recorded in 2021. Overall, there have been 25,720 babies named Timmy from 1926 to 2023.