The nameTobias

Tobias is a boy's name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is good". The name of the hero of the Book of Tobit, it is popular in Germany and Scandinavia.

Meaning

Tobias comes from the Hebrew Toviyyah, "Yahweh is good".

Origin

Hebrew. In the Book of Tobit, Tobias travels with the archangel Raphael, who protects him on his journey.

History

Tobias is a classic in Germany, Austria and Scandinavia. It reached the top 100 in England and Wales. Toby is its English short form.

Famous people named Tobias

Popularity of the name Tobias

Tobias in the United States

280thmost popular boys' name in the United States in 2024
2016peak year (1,523 births)
28,093babies named Tobias in the United States since 1880
07621,523 18801900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in the United States. Source: Social Security Administration, names given at least 5 times a year.

Tobias was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 9,404 births over the decade, 33% of all recorded babies named Tobias. Its rise began around 1974, and it peaked in 2016. Half of all babies named Tobias in the United States were born before 2013, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 1,245 births a year.

Tobias in the United Kingdom

119thmost popular boys' name in the United Kingdom in 2025
2016peak year (672 births)
13,659babies named Tobias in the United Kingdom since 1997
0336672 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in the United Kingdom. Source: ONS, NRS and NISRA (England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland), names given at least 3 times a year.

Tobias was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2010s, with 5,961 births over the decade, 44% of all recorded babies named Tobias. Half of all babies named Tobias in the United Kingdom were born before 2014, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been falling: 546 births a year on average, against 645 in the five years before.

Tobias in France

464thmost popular boys' name in France, latest official figures
2021peak year (160 births)
2,465babies named Tobias in France since 1900
080160 1900192019401960198020002020
Births per year in France. Source: Insee, French national statistics office, latest official figures. Rounded numbers.

Tobias in Belgium

190thmost popular boys' name in Belgium in 2025
2024peak year (61 births)
1,217babies named Tobias in Belgium since 1995
03161 1995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Belgium. Source: Statbel, names given at least 5 times a year.

Tobias in Switzerland

280thmost popular boys' name in Switzerland in 2025
2001peak year (197 births)
2,387babies named Tobias in Switzerland since 2000
099197 200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Switzerland. Source: Swiss Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

Tobias in Austria

14thmost popular boys' name in Austria in 2025
2005peak year (916 births)
24,338babies named Tobias in Austria since 1984
0458916 198519901995200020052010201520202025
Births per year in Austria. Source: Statistik Austria (until 2009, Austrian nationals only).

Tobias in Norway

15thmost popular boys' name in Norway in 2025
2003peak year (512 births)
11,066babies named Tobias in Norway since 1945
0256512 1960198020002020
Births per year in Norway. Source: Statistics Norway (SSB), table 10467.

Variants and related names

Sibling names for Tobias

Names from the same generation as Tobias, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.

For a sister

For a brother

How many people are named Tobias? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz

Compare Tobias with another name

Meaning, origin and popularity of Tobias side by side with the name of your choice.

Tobias in our baby name lists

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Tobias mean?

Tobias comes from the Hebrew Toviyyah, "Yahweh is good".

What is the origin of the name Tobias?

Hebrew. In the Book of Tobit, Tobias travels with the archangel Raphael, who protects him on his journey.

Is Tobias a girl's or a boy's name?

Tobias is a boy's name.

How popular is the name Tobias?

In 2024, Tobias was the 280th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 1,210 births.

What are the variants of the name Tobias?

Variants and related names of Tobias include Tobie and Toby.

What are good sibling names for Tobias?

Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Maryam, Jane, Josephine and Lia for a sister, Matthias, Samson, Ibrahim and Mathias for a brother.

Who are famous people named Tobias?

Tobias, son of Tobit; Tobias Menzies, actor; Tobias Harris, basketball player.