All about the name

Toby

Female

« Toby is a name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is good," derived from Tobiah, used by several Old Testament characters. It remains popular today, often used as a nickname for Tobias or other names starting with "tob. »

#2015 last year

Meaning, origin, history

Toby is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is good." It is derived from the Aramaic name Tobiah, which was used by several characters in the Old Testament of the Bible. The most famous Tobyah was the enemy of Nehemiah, who was rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem after the Babylonian exile. The name Toby has been popular throughout history and across different cultures. It was used by several prominent historical figures, such as Toby Philpot, an English actor and comedian who was a member of the famous comedy troupe Monty Python, and Toby McGuire, an American film actor and director who is best known for his role as Spider-Man in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Today, Toby remains a popular name for boys. It is often used as a nickname for the name Tobias or other names that begin with the sound "tob." The name has also been popularized by various characters in popular culture, such as Toby McTeague from the novel "The Stories of Tobias Smollett" and Toby Ziegler from the television show "The West Wing." Overall, the name Toby is a classic choice with a rich history and meaningful signification. Its Hebrew origin and biblical associations give it a sense of timelessness, while its popularity throughout different cultures and time periods demonstrates its enduring appeal.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Toby since 1880

Total births
8,185
Total since 1880
Peak year
1941
170 births
in 2023
97
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+30%
vs previous 5 years