Timothy \t(i)-mo-thy\ as a boy's name is pronounced TIM-oh-thee. It is of Greek origin, and the meaning of Timothy is "God's honor". Biblical: Timothy was an energetic, well-trained young Christian who was a companion of Saint Paul, who wrote to him, "Let no man look down on your youth". According to tradition, he was martyred after denouncing worshippers of the Greek moon goddess Diana. 19th-century novelist Charles Dickens gave the name an lasting association in his beloved work "A Christmas Carol". The story turns on the fate of the crippled but ever-cheerful Tiny Tim, who greets every holiday season with the cry, "God bless us, every one!" The name was uncommon until the 18th century. Timoteo and Timo are Spanish forms.

Timothy has 19 variant forms: Tim, Timmo, Timmy, Timmothy, Timmy, Timo, Timofei, Timofeo, Timofey, Timon, Timoteo, Timothe, Timotheo, Timothey, Timotheus, Tymmothy, Tymon, Tymoteusz and Tymothy.

For more information, see also the related name Tighe.