Tobi is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the name "Tobiah," which appears in the biblical Book of Tobit. The name means "Goodness of God" or "God is good." It is believed to have been given to children born after a period of adversity as an expression of gratitude for their safe arrival.
The name Tobi has gained popularity over time, with variations such as Toby and Tobias being particularly common in English-speaking countries. Despite its Hebrew roots, it has also become popular among other cultures, including those of Germanic origin, who often use the German variant "Tobias."
One notable figure associated with the name is Saint Tobias, a Christian martyr from the 2nd century AD. According to legend, Tobias was blind but regained his sight after an angel touched him. This story has contributed to the name's association with healing and divine intervention.
In literature, Tobi has been used as a character name in various works, such as "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" by Mark Twain, where Toby is Tom's friend. In more recent times, the name has also been popularized through characters like Tobias Funke from the comedy series "Arrested Development."
Overall, Tobi is a name with rich historical roots and a universal appeal that transcends cultural boundaries. Its meaning, "Goodness of God," carries a positive connotation and makes it an attractive choice for parents seeking a name with spiritual significance.
The name Tobi has seen a varied pattern of popularity over the years in the United States, as indicated by the birth statistics provided.
From 1934 to 1953, the number of births with the name Tobi fluctuated between 6 and 29. However, starting from 1954, there was a noticeable increase in its popularity, with over 30 births each year until 1976.
The peak years for the name Tobi were from 1970 to 1974, during which time it reached its highest popularity. In 1972 and 1974, there were 108 and 136 births respectively, indicating that these were the most popular years for the name.
However, after 1976, the popularity of the name Tobi began to decline significantly. From 1977 onwards, the number of births with this name dropped below 100 each year. Despite a brief increase in the late 1990s and early 2000s, reaching over 30 births per year, it has since declined again.
In recent years, the popularity of Tobi has continued to decrease, with fewer than 20 births per year since 2015. This trend indicates that while the name Tobi once had a period of high popularity, particularly in the mid-20th century, its usage has since become less common.
Overall, although there have been fluctuations in the popularity of the name Tobi over time, it can be said to have experienced periods of both notable popularity and decline.