Timothy is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name "Timotheos," which means "honoring God." The name Timothy has been popular throughout history and has been associated with several notable figures in religious circles.
In the New Testament of the Bible, Saint Timothy was a companion of the Apostle Paul. He was converted to Christianity by Paul himself and later accompanied him on his missionary journeys. Timothy became one of the leaders of the early Christian church and is considered one of the most significant figures in Christian history.
The name Timothy has also been popular among royalty throughout the centuries. King Timothy I of Georgia, who ruled from 1213 to 1223, was a prominent figure in the history of the Georgian kingdom. Additionally, several members of European nobility have carried the name Timothy.
Today, Timothy is still a popular name for boys around the world. Its meaning, "honoring God," continues to resonate with many families who choose this name for their children. While its religious origins are significant, the name Timothy has also come to be associated with intelligence and leadership due to the historical figures who have borne it. Overall, Timothy is a strong, timeless name that carries a rich history and meaningful significance.
The name Timothy experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years. In its early years, from 1880 to 1950, Timothy's popularity was relatively low and steady, ranging between 54 to 77 births per year. However, it began to gain traction in the late 1950s, with a substantial increase in births reaching 28,796 in 1958. This upward trend continued through the 1960s and 1970s, peaking at 20,736 births in 1954.
After this peak, Timothy's popularity began to decline gradually but significantly, dropping below 20,000 births per year by the mid-1980s. This trend continued into the 1990s and 2000s, with Timothy falling out of the top 100 most popular baby names in recent years. In 2022, only 1,733 babies were named Timothy, indicating that it has largely fallen from favor as a popular boys' name.