Greek Origin

Timothy

From the Greek Timotheos, meaning 'one who honors God' or 'one who respects the divine.' Timothy has been a steadily favored name in Christian cultures since the apostolic era, when Paul wrote epistles to Timothy. It conveys intelligence, reliability, and spiritual depth while remaining accessible and classically timeless.

Timothy is a boy's name of Greek origin. From the Greek Timotheos, meaning 'one who honors God' or 'one who respects the divine.' Timothy has been a steadily favored name in Christian cultures since the apostolic era, when Paul wrote epistles to Timothy. It conveys intelligence, reliability, and spiritual depth while remaining accessible and classically timeless.

A biblical name with consistent top-50 popularity in the US for decades; strongly associated with trustworthiness and intellectual strength.

Origin & Etymology

The name Timothy has roots in the Greek language tradition. It derives from elements meaning “From the Greek Timotheos, meaning 'one who honors God' or 'one who respects the divine”.

Cultural context: A biblical name with consistent top-50 popularity in the US for decades; strongly associated with trustworthiness and intellectual strength.

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

Popularity Trend
Famous Timothys8
T

Timothy McVeigh

HistoricalAmerican

Oklahoma City bomber, domestic terrorism

American domestic terrorist who orchestrated the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing. His attack killed 168 people and remains one of the deadliest acts of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.

1968 – 2001

T

Timothy Olyphant

EntertainmentAmerican

Deadwood, Justified, complex dramatic roles

American actor known for roles in Deadwood, Justified, and other television series and films. Known for portraying tough, morally ambiguous characters with sophistication.

1968 – present

T

Timothy McGraw

EntertainmentAmerican

Country music star, 'Live Like You Were Dying', 'Highway Don't Care'

American country music singer and actor who is one of the most successful country artists of all time. Known for numerous chart-topping hits and sold-out tours.

1966 – present

T

Timothy Hutton

EntertainmentAmerican

Oscar winner at 20, Ordinary People, actor and director

American actor who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor at age 20. Known for roles in Ordinary People and various television and film productions.

1960 – present

T

Timothy Shriver

otherAmerican

Special Olympics chairman, disability rights advocate, Shriver family

American activist and philanthropist best known as the chairman of the Special Olympics. Son of Sargent Shriver and eugenicist Margaret Sanger advocate.

1959 – present

T

Timothy Spall

EntertainmentBritish

Harry Potter actor, Mike Leigh collaborator, Mr. Turner

British actor renowned for his performances in films including the Harry Potter series and Sweeney Todd. Known for his character work and versatility.

1957 – present

T

Timothy Dalton

EntertainmentBritish

James Bond actor, The Living Daylights, Licence to Kill

British actor best known for playing James Bond in two films. Known for bringing a darker, more serious tone to the iconic spy character.

1946 – present

T

Timothy Leary

ScienceAmerican

Psychologist, LSD advocate, counterculture icon, 'Turn on, tune in, drop out'

American psychologist and writer who became a countercultural icon by promoting the use of LSD. Known for the phrase 'Turn on, tune in, drop out.'

1920 – 1996

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Timothy mean?

Timothy means "From the Greek Timotheos, meaning 'one who honors God' or 'one who respects the divine.' Timothy has been a steadily favored name in Christian cultures since the apostolic era, when Paul wrote epistles to Timothy. It conveys intelligence, reliability, and spiritual depth while remaining accessible and classically timeless.", and is of Greek origin.

Is Timothy a boy name?

Timothy is primarily used as a boy's name.

What is the origin of the name Timothy?

Timothy is of Greek origin. A biblical name with consistent top-50 popularity in the US for decades; strongly associated with trustworthiness and intellectual strength.

Quick Facts
Gender

Boy

Syllables

2

Origin

Greek

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