All about the name

Tim

Male

« Tim is a German-origin name derived from Timothy, which means "honoring God" in Greek. It's been used for centuries and gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 19th century, often seen as friendly yet sophisticated. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Tim is a name of German origin that comes from the name Timothy. The name Timothy itself is derived from the Greek name Τίμωθῖ (Timotheos), which means "honoring God." This name was popular among early Christians and was carried by one of the Twelve Apostles, Saint Timothy, who accompanied Saint Paul on his missionary journeys. The name Tim has been used for centuries but it gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries during the 19th century. It is a short form of Timothy or other names that begin with Tim-, such as Timotheus or Timo. Tim is often seen as a friendly and approachable name, due to its informal nature. However, it can also sound quite sophisticated when used as a full name like Timothy. The name has been worn by many notable figures throughout history, including the American novelist and short-story writer, Tim O'Brien, and the British actor, Tim Roth. Overall, Tim is a classic name with a rich history that has stood the test of time. Its meaning, "honoring God," reflects its early Christian roots, while its German origin adds an international touch to this enduring name.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Tim since 1880

Total births
83,282
Total since 1880
Peak year
1960
6,934 births
in 2023
37
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-16%
vs previous 5 years