Meaning, origin, history
Tobiah is a unique and distinctive given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "tov," which means "good." Thus, Tobiah translates to "goodness of God" or "God is good."
The name Tobiah appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Nehemiah. In this text, Tobiah is depicted as an Ammonite official who initially opposes the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls by Nehemiah and his people. However, he later converts to Judaism and plays a role in the completion of the project.
Despite its biblical origins and significant meaning, Tobiah has not been widely used throughout history. It is considered somewhat exotic and unusual even today, making it a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet meaningful name for their child.
In terms of popularity, Tobiah has never made it into the top 1000 baby names in the United States, according to data from the Social Security Administration. This further emphasizes its rarity and distinctiveness compared to more common Hebrew names like David or Benjamin.
Overall, Tobiah is an uncommon yet significant name with deep roots in biblical history. Its meaning – "goodness of God" or "God is good" – makes it a thoughtful choice for parents seeking a unique and meaningful moniker for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Tobiah since 1880
Total births
647
Total since 1880
Peak year
2016
39 births
in 2023
13
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-22%
↘
vs previous 5 years