Timotheus

Boy Name
Origin:greek
Pronunciation:/ˈtɪməθiəs/

Timotheus: 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".

Parents seeking a meaningful masculine name often discover Timotheus, drawn to its Greek heritage and beautiful significance: "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 offers a perfect blend of cultural depth and personal meaning, making it a timeless choice for families around the world.

Quick Facts About Timotheus

Quick facts about Timotheus
OriginGreek
GenderBoy name
PopularityUncommon

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

How to Pronounce Timotheus

Timotheus is pronounced /ˈtɪməθiəs/(English)

Step-by-step pronunciation guide:

  1. Break it into syllables: Tim-otheus
  2. Say it like: "TEEHMOOHTHEEOOHS"
  3. Practice saying it naturally a few times

Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources

Usage & Popularity

Timotheus enjoys international appeal, used in 8 different linguistic and cultural contexts including ancient Greek (Latinized), norwegian, swedish, and many others. This widespread adoption reflects its universal resonance.

ancient Greek (Latinized)norwegianswedishdanishfinnishgreenlandicdutchgerman
Frequently Asked Questions About Timotheus
What does the name Timotheus mean?
Timotheus 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 Timotheus 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. Timotheus offers a distinctive option for parents who want a name with clear meaning that stands apart from more common choices. 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 Timotheus?
Timotheus 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. From its greek roots, Timotheus spread to become common in ancient Greek (Latinized), norwegian, swedish, danish 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 Timotheus a boy or girl name?
Timotheus 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, Timotheus 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 Timotheus?
Timotheus is pronounced "/ˈtɪməθiəs/". This pronunciation follows en language patterns. As a single-syllable name, Timotheus is quick to say and easy to call out. Pronunciation may vary slightly in ancient Greek (Latinized), norwegian, 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 Timotheus can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root tīmḗ / timáō ‎theós > Tīmótheos influences how Timotheus sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Timotheus?
Timotheus is less common but not rare. As a less common choice, Timotheus gives a child a name that stands out. Most people will encounter it rarely, making it memorable when they do. Timotheus'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, Timotheus holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Timotheus commonly used?
Timotheus spans multiple cultures, including ancient Greek (Latinized), norwegian, swedish, and 5 other traditions. Though greek in origin, Timotheus found a home in other cultures where it resonated with local naming preferences. Names that work across multiple cultures, like Timotheus, 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 Timotheus into their naming traditions. A child named Timotheus 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, Timotheus is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Timotheus?
Timotheus 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 Timotheus 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 Timotheus sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Timotheus often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In ancient Greek (Latinized) 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.

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