Greek Origin

Tim

A short form of Timothy, derived from the Greek Timotheos, meaning 'honoring God' or 'one who honors.' Tim became a standalone classic through its everyday practicality and friendly warmth. The name avoids stuffiness while retaining dignity, making it a perennial favorite for boys who grow into thoughtful men.

Tim is a name of Greek origin. A short form of Timothy, derived from the Greek Timotheos, meaning 'honoring God' or 'one who honors.' Tim became a standalone classic through its everyday practicality and friendly warmth. The name avoids stuffiness while retaining dignity, making it a perennial favorite for boys who grow into thoughtful men.

A top-100 name in the US for decades, Tim represents the accessible, approachable side of the Timothy tradition.

Origin & Etymology

The name Tim has roots in the Greek language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “a short form of Timothy, derived from the Greek Timotheos, meaning 'honoring God' or 'one who honors”.

Cultural context: A top-100 name in the US for decades, Tim represents the accessible, approachable side of the Timothy tradition.

As a unisex's name, Tim carries the character of its Greek heritage while remaining a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking something unique.

Popularity Trend
Famous Tims8
T

Tim Duncan

SportsAmerican

NBA legend, San Antonio Spurs, five-time champion, The Big Fundamental

American professional basketball player widely considered one of the greatest power forwards in NBA history, winning five championships with the San Antonio Spurs and establishing himself as an all-time great through consistency and excellence.

1976 – present

T

Timothy McGraw

EntertainmentAmerican

Country music superstar, Grammy winner, cultural icon

American country music singer-songwriter who became one of the most commercially successful country artists of the 1990s and 2000s, known for hits like "Don't Take the Girl" and his collaboration with Taylor Swift on "Highway Don't Care."

1966 – present

T

Tim Roth

EntertainmentBritish

Actor, Reservoir Dogs, The Hateful Eight, Lie to Me

British actor known for compelling performances in films like "Reservoir Dogs," "The Hateful Eight," and television series "Lie to Me," establishing himself as a versatile and respected performer across multiple mediums.

1961 – present

T

Tim Cook

BusinessAmerican

Apple CEO, technology executive, business leader

American business executive who has served as Chief Executive Officer of Apple Inc. since 2011, overseeing the company's transformation into the world's most valuable public company and successfully leading it through the post-Steve Jobs era.

1960 – present

T

Tim Burton

EntertainmentAmerican

Film director, animator, Edward Scissorhands, Nightmare Before Christmas

American film director, animator, and producer known for distinctive gothic and whimsical visual style in films like "Edward Scissorhands," "The Nightmare Before Christmas," and "Corpse Bride," becoming one of cinema's most recognizable auteurs.

1958 – present

T

Tim Berners-Lee

ScienceBritish

Inventor of the World Wide Web, founder of W3C, computer scientist

British computer scientist who invented the World Wide Web in 1989, fundamentally transforming information sharing and communication, and earning him recognition as one of the most important innovators of the modern era.

1955 – present

T

Tim Allen

EntertainmentAmerican

Home Improvement star, Buzz Lightyear voice actor, comedian

American actor and comedian best known for starring in the sitcom "Home Improvement" and voicing Buzz Lightyear in the "Toy Story" franchise, establishing himself as a major entertainment figure across multiple decades.

1953 – present

T

Tim Curry

EntertainmentBritish

Rocky Horror Picture Show, Clue, voice actor, theatrical performer

British actor, singer, and voice actor known for iconic roles in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," "Clue," and extensive voice acting work, establishing himself as a versatile performer with distinctive theatrical flair.

1946 – present

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Tim mean?

Tim means "A short form of Timothy, derived from the Greek Timotheos, meaning 'honoring God' or 'one who honors.' Tim became a standalone classic through its everyday practicality and friendly warmth. The name avoids stuffiness while retaining dignity, making it a perennial favorite for boys who grow into thoughtful men.", and is of Greek origin.

Is Tim a boy or girl name?

Tim is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.

What is the origin of the name Tim?

Tim is of Greek origin. A top-100 name in the US for decades, Tim represents the accessible, approachable side of the Timothy tradition.

Quick Facts
Gender

Unisex

Syllables

1

Origin

Greek

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