Tobias

toh-BYE-us
Meaning: God is good
Gender
Boy
Origin
Hebrew, Greek, Latin
Popularity Rank
#280 (boys)
#533 (overall)

Popularity Summary

Tobias has seen a resurgence in popularity over the last few decades, consistently ranking among the top names for boys in various countries, particularly in the U.S. and Europe.

Why Parents Choose Tobias

Parents are drawn to the name Tobias for its rich historical and cultural significance, its positive meaning, and its classic yet contemporary sound.

History & Cultural Significance

The name Tobias has ancient origins, stemming from the Hebrew name 'Toviyah', which means 'God is good'. It gained prominence in the Christian and Jewish traditions through the Book of Tobit in the Apocrypha. In medieval Europe, the name became popular among Christians and has remained well-loved through the centuries.

Tobias has deep roots in various cultures, especially within religious contexts, where it is linked to the biblical figure Tobit and his son Tobias.

Notable People Named Tobias

  • Tobias Sammet - German musician and songwriter
  • Tobias Menzies - British actor known for roles in 'Outlander' and 'The Crown'
  • Tobias Forge - Swedish musician and lead vocalist of the band Ghost

Name Variations

Toby Tobiah Tobiasz Tobiaso

Related Names

Tobit Tobiasz Tobyn

Similar Sounding Names

Tobyn Tobiasz Tobiah

Names with Similar Feel

Matthias Silas Jasper Elias

Sibling Name Ideas

Elijah Isaac Miriam Naomi

Pop Culture References

  • Tobias in the animated series 'The Book of Tobit'
  • Tobias in the movie 'Tobias and the Angel'
  • Character Tobias Fünke from the TV show 'Arrested Development'