Tobias is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God is good." It comes from the biblical story of Tobit, an Israelite who remained faithful to his religion despite falling into poverty and losing his sight. His son Tobias embarked on a journey with the angel Raphael, who guided him in fulfilling his mission while teaching him valuable lessons about faith and virtue.
The name Tobias has been popular throughout history, particularly among Christians due to its biblical roots. It gained prominence during the Middle Ages but experienced a resurgence in the late 20th century as parents sought unique yet meaningful names for their children. Today, Tobias is still beloved by many families around the world who appreciate its rich history and positive connotation.
In some variations of the story, Tobit's wife Anna was also named after this biblical figure, further cementing Tobias' place in cultural heritage. Over time, numerous derivations and cognates have emerged from the original Hebrew name, such as Toby (English), Tobiasz (Polish), and Tuvia (Hebrew).
Despite its widespread use, Tobias remains a timeless classic that signifies goodness, faith, and resilience - qualities that parents may wish to instill in their children by bestowing them with this prestigious name.
The name Tobias has a rich history in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1880 and 2023, there have been a total of 26,854 births registered for this name.
Interestingly, the number of births with the name Tobias began quite low, with only 7 births recorded in 1880. However, by 1958, the popularity of the name started to increase significantly, with 30 births that year alone. This upward trend continued until it peaked in 2016 with a remarkable total of 1,522 births.
The years between 1974 and 1982 saw a significant rise in the number of Tobias births, with a steady increase from 212 births in 1974 to a peak of 246 births in 1980. However, after reaching this peak, there was a noticeable decrease in popularity over the next two years, dropping down to 194 births in 1982.
Despite this temporary decline, Tobias regained its momentum and continued to grow in popularity throughout the late 1980s and early 1990s. Between 1993 and 1995, there were more than 200 births each year for the name Tobias.
In recent years, the popularity of the name Tobias has remained consistently high, with over 1,200 births recorded annually between 2014 and 2023. In fact, in 2014, there were a record-breaking 741 births for this name, indicating its enduring appeal among parents.
This data demonstrates the fascinating journey of the name Tobias throughout history, with its popularity waxing and waning over time. Despite these fluctuations, it is clear that Tobias remains a beloved choice for parents in the United States today.