Toby
Toby is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is good”, pronounced TOH-bee. It ranked #979 in the United States in 2025, given to 234 babies, and peaked at #190 in 1975. Common nicknames: Tobes, Tobi.
How popular is Toby in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Toby mean, and where does it come from?
Toby is the English form of Tobias, from the Hebrew Toviyah — "the Lord is good" — the young man of the Book of Tobit who travels with the archangel Raphael and a dog, and comes home with a cure for his father's blindness. It has been used in England since the Middle Ages, appears in Twelfth Night as Sir Toby Belch and in American records since 1882. It peaked in 1975 and is rising again now, considerably more popular in Britain than in the United States.
How is Toby used around the world?
Toby is used in 1 languages worldwide, with 12+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Toby?
Famous People Named Toby
- Toby Keith — American country singer and songwriter
- Toby Fox — American video game designer and composer of Undertale
- Toby Stephens — English actor
Similar Names to Toby
If you like Toby, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Toby
Looking for names that pair well with Toby? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Toby mean?
Toby is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "God is good." Toby is the English form of Tobias, from the Hebrew Toviyah — "the Lord is good" — the young man of the Book of Tobit who travels with the archangel Raphael and a dog, and comes home with a cure for his father's blindness. It has been used in England since the Middle Ages, appears in Twelfth Night as Sir Toby Belch and in American records since 1882.
How do you pronounce Toby?
Toby is pronounced TOH-bee. Common variations include Tobias, Tobiah, Tobey.
Is Toby a boy name?
Yes, Toby is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Tobes, Tobi.