Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Tobias
BoyGreek, Hebrew· “God is good”
- Meaning
- God is good
- Origin
- Greek, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- toh-BY-uhs
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #283
- US babies 2025
- 1,201
- Best rank
- #246 (2016)
- Peak year
- 2016
Meaning and origin of Tobias
Tobias is a Greek and Hebrew name that means “God is good”.
Tobias is the Greek form of the Hebrew Toviyah, meaning God is good. It is best known from the Book of Tobit, where young Tobias travels with the archangel Raphael in disguise, a story that made the name popular in Christian Europe. Tobias has long been used in Germany and Scandinavia and has become a favorite in English-speaking countries as well. It combines a classic, scholarly feel with a friendly nickname, Toby, which gives it a playful side. Tobiah and Toby are related forms. Tobias sits comfortably next to other biblical picks such as Elias and Josiah.
Popularity over time
Tobias has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 68 different years. Its best national rank was #246 in 2016, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,523 babies. In 2025, 1,201 babies were named Tobias, and it ranked #283 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,741 in 1920, #1,429 in 1950, #547 in 1980, #586 in 2000, #522 in 2010, and #283 in 2025. Of the 29,322 US boys named Tobias since records began, 32% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 7,443 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kameron, Killian, Gunner, Simon, and Titus.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Tobias ranked highest in South Dakota, New Hampshire, and Montana.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #125 | 11 |
| New Hampshire | #142 | 11 |
| Montana | #158 | 9 |
| Oklahoma | #168 | 30 |
| Kansas | #174 | 23 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Tobias is usually pronounced toh-BY-uhs, with three syllables. It has six letters, starts with T and ends in “-as”.
Middle names for Tobias
A few middle names that flow with Tobias: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Tobias
Similar names
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muh-THY-uhs
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Lists that include Tobias
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Tobias mean?
Tobias is a Greek and Hebrew name that means “God is good”.
What is the origin of the name Tobias?
Tobias has Greek and Hebrew roots. Tobias is the Greek form of the Hebrew Toviyah, meaning God is good.
Is Tobias a popular name?
Yes. Tobias ranked #283 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Tobias a boy or girl name?
Tobias is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Tobias?
Tobias is usually pronounced toh-BY-uhs. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings