Timothy is a name of Greek origin, derived from the name "Timaios," which means "honoring God" or "honored by God." The name Timothy has a long history and has been used throughout many different cultures.
The earliest known use of the name Timothy can be traced back to the New Testament of the Bible. In the Acts of the Apostles, Timothy is mentioned as a companion of the Apostle Paul. He was a young man from Lystra in Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey) who became one of Paul's most trusted friends and helpers.
The name Timothy gained popularity during the Middle Ages in Europe, particularly among Christians who admired the virtuous life of Saint Timothy, who was later canonized by the Catholic Church. Throughout the centuries, the name Timothy has been used consistently across many different cultures and countries.
Today, Timothy remains a popular choice for parents looking to give their child a strong, classic name with deep historical roots. Its meaning makes it particularly appealing to families with religious backgrounds or those who simply appreciate the idea of honoring God through their child's name. Despite its popularity, Timothy is still considered a timeless and enduring name that will continue to be used for generations to come.
In terms of spelling variations, the most common forms of Timothy are Timoth
Statistics on the given name Timothy in the United States from 1955 to 1987 reveal an interesting pattern of popularity over time.
From 1955 to 1967, there were a total of 82 births with the name Timothy. The most popular year for the name during this period was 1958, with 10 births. However, the trend seemed to decrease afterwards, with only 5 births in 1965.
After a gap of four years, the name Timothy appeared again in 1971 with 8 births. This number remained relatively stable over the next few years, with 5 births in 1972 and 6 births in 1978.
The popularity of the name Timothy seemed to pick up again in the mid-1980s. Between 1982 and 1987, there were a total of 34 births with the name Timothy. The most recent year included in these statistics was 1987, with 6 births.
Overall, the name Timothy was given to a total of 141 newborn boys in the United States between 1955 and 1987. These statistics demonstrate how the popularity of a name can fluctuate over time, with periods of high and low usage.