Toby
Boy name · 796 babies recorded · 1974–2025
Toby: 796 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 39 births in 2012.
Toby is a classic diminutive of Tobias, which comes from the Hebrew *Toviyyah*, meaning "God is good." While it has ancient biblical roots, Toby feels more approachable and friendly, earning it steady use in Scotland since the 1970s. Among notable bearers are actor Toby Stephens, known for playing Captain Flint in *Black Sails*, and the American country singer Toby Keith. The name also appears in literature through Shakespeare's jovial Sir Toby Belch in *Twelfth Night*. A less expected connection is the Toby jug, a drinking vessel shaped as a seated man in 18th-century clothing, which indirectly shares the name's cheerful, everyday character. The longer form Tobias remains a more formal alternative, but Toby stands on its own as a warm, unpretentious choice that has persisted across generations.
Boy 46 of 52 years
- Peak year
- 201239 babies
- Latest (2025)
- #22618 babies
- Total births
- 796since 1974
- 5-year trend
- ▼ 39%vs prior 5y