Timotej: a male name of Greek origin meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God)".It derives from the Greek word "tīmḗ / timáō theós > Tīmótheos".
In Greek tradition, Timotej holds special significance as a masculine name representing This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). This name has been cherished across generations, carrying with it the wisdom and heritage of Greek culture. Its enduring popularity speaks to its universal resonance.
Quick Facts About Timotej
Quick facts about Timotej
Origin
Greek
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). In turn, the name means “In God’s honor, honored by God, honoring God.” Saint Timothy was the first 1st-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the epistles to Timothy. It is a common name in several countries, including non-English speaking ones. Pope Timothy II of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Orthodox Church and the pope to the Coptic Orthodox Church (457–477). He was elected and consecrated after the death of the exiled Dioscorus of Alexandria in 454 by the Miaphysite opponents of the Council of Chalcedon and immediately went into hiding.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
tīmḗ / timáō theós > Tīmótheos
Other Scripts
Macedonian / Serbian (Тимотеј)
How to Pronounce Timotej
Timotej is pronounced /ti.moˈteɪ/
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Tim-ot-ej
Say it like: "TIM-OT-EJ"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Timotej enjoys international appeal, used in 7 different linguistic and cultural contexts including croatian, serbian, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.
Timotej means "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). In turn, the name means “In God’s honor, honored by God, honoring God.” Saint Timothy was the first 1st-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the epistles to Timothy. It is a common name in several countries, including non-English speaking ones. Pope Timothy II of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Orthodox Church and the pope to the Coptic Orthodox Church (457–477). He was elected and consecrated after the death of the exiled Dioscorus of Alexandria in 454 by the Miaphysite opponents of the Council of Chalcedon and immediately went into hiding.". The name comes from tīmḗ / timáō theós > Tīmótheos. In its original form, the name derives from tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω) theós (θεός) Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος). This greek name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Timotej for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). In turn, the name means “In God’s honor, honored by God, honoring God.” Saint Timothy was the first 1st-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the epistles to Timothy. It is a common name in several countries, including non-English speaking ones. Pope Timothy II of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Orthodox Church and the pope to the Coptic Orthodox Church (457–477). He was elected and consecrated after the death of the exiled Dioscorus of Alexandria in 454 by the Miaphysite opponents of the Council of Chalcedon and immediately went into hiding." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Timotej's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS) / RELIGION (POPES), reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Timotej?
Timotej is a greek name. The name traces back to tīmḗ / timáō theós > Tīmótheos. The original form tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω) theós (θεός) Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Timotej is written as Macedonian / Serbian (Тимотеј). From its greek roots, Timotej spread to become common in croatian, serbian, swedish, czech and other cultures. The greek meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). In turn, the name means “In God’s honor, honored by God, honoring God.” Saint Timothy was the first 1st-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the epistles to Timothy. It is a common name in several countries, including non-English speaking ones. Pope Timothy II of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Orthodox Church and the pope to the Coptic Orthodox Church (457–477). He was elected and consecrated after the death of the exiled Dioscorus of Alexandria in 454 by the Miaphysite opponents of the Council of Chalcedon and immediately went into hiding." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Timotej a boy or girl name?
Timotej is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In greek tradition, Timotej has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). In turn, the name means “In God’s honor, honored by God, honoring God.” Saint Timothy was the first 1st-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the epistles to Timothy. It is a common name in several countries, including non-English speaking ones. Pope Timothy II of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Orthodox Church and the pope to the Coptic Orthodox Church (457–477). He was elected and consecrated after the death of the exiled Dioscorus of Alexandria in 454 by the Miaphysite opponents of the Council of Chalcedon and immediately went into hiding." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Timotej?
Timotej is pronounced "/ti.moˈteɪ/". This pronunciation follows sk language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Macedonian / Serbian (Тимотеј), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Timotej is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in croatian, serbian, swedish, where the name is also used. Local accents and language rules can shift certain sounds while keeping the name recognizable. If you're unfamiliar with greek names, listening to a native speaker say Timotej can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root tīmḗ / timáō theós > Tīmótheos influences how Timotej sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Timotej?
Timotej is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Timotej offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Timotej's popularity may vary between greek communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). In turn, the name means “In God’s honor, honored by God, honoring God.” Saint Timothy was the first 1st-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the epistles to Timothy. It is a common name in several countries, including non-English speaking ones. Pope Timothy II of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Orthodox Church and the pope to the Coptic Orthodox Church (457–477). He was elected and consecrated after the death of the exiled Dioscorus of Alexandria in 454 by the Miaphysite opponents of the Council of Chalcedon and immediately went into hiding." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Timotej holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Timotej commonly used?
Timotej spans multiple cultures, including croatian, serbian, swedish, and 4 other traditions. Though greek in origin, Timotej found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Timotej, often have straightforward pronunciation and positive meanings that translate well. The meaning "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). In turn, the name means “In God’s honor, honored by God, honoring God.” Saint Timothy was the first 1st-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the epistles to Timothy. It is a common name in several countries, including non-English speaking ones. Pope Timothy II of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Orthodox Church and the pope to the Coptic Orthodox Church (457–477). He was elected and consecrated after the death of the exiled Dioscorus of Alexandria in 454 by the Miaphysite opponents of the Council of Chalcedon and immediately went into hiding." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Timotej into their naming traditions. A child named Timotej will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Timotej is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Timotej?
Timotej carries associations with BIBLICAL / RELIGION (SAINTS) / RELIGION (POPES). These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Ancient Greek “Tīmótheos (Τῑμόθεος),” composed of two elements: “tīmḗ (τῑμή) timáō (τιμάω)” (to pay honor to, to hold in honor, treat honorably, to honor, revere, worship, esteem) plus “theós (θεός)” (divine, a deity, a god, God). In turn, the name means “In God’s honor, honored by God, honoring God.” Saint Timothy was the first 1st-century Christian bishop of Ephesus, whom tradition relates died around AD 97. The New Testament indicates that Timothy traveled with Saint Paul, who was also his mentor. He is addressed as the recipient of the epistles to Timothy. It is a common name in several countries, including non-English speaking ones. Pope Timothy II of Alexandria was the Patriarch of Alexandria for the Orthodox Church and the pope to the Coptic Orthodox Church (457–477). He was elected and consecrated after the death of the exiled Dioscorus of Alexandria in 454 by the Miaphysite opponents of the Council of Chalcedon and immediately went into hiding." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In greek culture, where Timotej originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Timotej sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Timotej often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In croatian communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.