"God is good; Yahweh is good"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Tobias
Pronunciation: [ t-uhb-EYE-uhs ]
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An ancient name of goodness, revived for modern times
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Scandinavian
English
Jewish
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Vintage
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Meaning & Origin
"Greek transliteration of Hebrew Toviyah"
Origin: Greek
Language: Greek
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The Story of Tobias
Tobias comes from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Toviyah (Tobiah), meaning God is good or Yahweh is good. The name appears in the Book of Tobit in the Deuterocanonical scriptures, where Tobias is the young hero who travels on a spiritual journey guided by the angel Raphael. The name traveled through Latin and Greek into German and Scandinavian cultures, where it thrived.
Tobias has seen a modern revival, particularly in the US and UK, as parents seek distinguished alternatives to popular Toby. The character Tobias Funke in Arrested Development gave it a comedic cultural moment, while it remains seriously popular in Germany and Scandinavia.
In German-speaking countries, Tobias has been a beloved name for centuries and remains in the top 50. The feast day of Saint Tobias is celebrated in Catholic and Orthodox traditions. In Jewish tradition, Tobiah was a historical figure mentioned in Nehemiah.
Historical Record
Tobias first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 27,429 babies have been named Tobias in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Tobias is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #280 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Tobias is consistently a top-20 name in Germany and Austria
- The Book of Tobit, featuring Tobias, is one of the most beloved stories in the Deuterocanon
Tobias in Other Languages
French
Tobie
German
Tobias
Hebrew
טוֹבִיָּה
Spanish
Tobías
Swedish
Tobias
Popularity Over Time
#280
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Tobias
T
Tobias Forge
Musician
1981
Swedish musician, lead vocalist and creative force behind rock band Ghost
T
Tobias Menzies
Actor
1974
British actor known for The Crown and Outlander
T
Tobias Funke Fictional
Other
Fictional character from Arrested Development, played by David Cross
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #280
- Total SSA Count
- 1,210
- Cultural Origins
- German Scandinavian English Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Toby
Tobi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Tobias
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tobias
What does the name Tobias mean?
"God is good; Yahweh is good" (from Hebrew). "Greek transliteration of Hebrew Toviyah" (from Greek). Tobias comes from the Greek form of the Hebrew name Toviyah (Tobiah), meaning God is good or Yahweh is good. The name appears in the Book of Tobit in the Deuterocanonical scriptures, where Tobias is the young hero who travels on a spiritual journey guided by the angel Raphael. The name traveled through Latin and Greek into German and Scandinavian cultures, where it thrived.
What is the origin of the name Tobias?
Tobias has Hebrew, Greek, German, Scandinavian, English, and Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "God is good; Yahweh is good". In Greek, it means "Greek transliteration of Hebrew Toviyah".
Is Tobias a boy or girl name?
Tobias is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Tobias?
Tobias is pronounced t-uhb-EYE-uhs.
How popular is the name Tobias?
Tobias is currently ranked #280 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Tobias?
Common nicknames for Tobias include Toby and Tobi.
What are good middle names for Tobias?
Popular middle name pairings include Tobias James, Tobias Alexander, Tobias William, Tobias Henry, Tobias Charles, Tobias John, and Tobias Oliver.
What are good sibling names for Tobias?
Names that pair well with Tobias as siblings include Sebastian, Matthias, Elias, Clara, Lydia, Mia, Hugo, and Felix.
How many syllables does Tobias have?
Tobias has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Tobias a common or rare name?
Tobias is a popular name, ranked #280 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
What boy names are similar to Tobias?
About the Name Tobias
Tobias is a boy name with German, Scandinavian, English, and Jewish origins . The name means "God is good; Yahweh is good" in Hebrew .
Tobias is currently ranked #280 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Tobias has 3 syllables and is pronounced t-uhb-EYE-uhs, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Tobias include Toby and Tobi. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Tobias include Tobin, Tobi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis