Timotheus

Timotheus is a male first name of biblical origin and is regarded as a Latinized form of the Ancient Greek name Timotheos. The meaning of the name is 'the one who fears God', 'the one who honors God', 'the one who honors God', 'the God-fearing one', and also 'the one heard by God'.

What does the name Timotheus mean?

The name Timotheus has its roots in Ancient Greek and is a Latinized variant of the name Timotheos. It is translated as 'the one who fears God', 'the one who honors God', 'the one who honors God', 'the God-fearing one', and occasionally also 'the one heard by God'. Its origin traces back to the Greek terms timáō ‎(τιμάω), meaning 'to value', 'to honor', 'to revere', 'to worship', or 'to treat with respect', and theós (θεός), meaning 'God'. In the New Testament, Saint Timotheus is mentioned as the first Christian bishop of Ephesus in the 1st century and is revered as an assistant to the Apostle Paul. Consequently, the name has spread in many countries. Other variants include Timotheo, Timothee, Timothe, Timothej, Timothey, Timothy, Thimote, Timote, Timoteo, Timoteus, Tsimafey, Cimafey, Timotey, Timofei, Timofey, Timot, Timoti, Timutiiusi, and Tymoteusz.

Where does the name Timotheus come from?

The name Timotheus originates from Ancient Greek and carries meanings such as 'the one heard by God' or 'the one who fears God'.

How do you pronounce Timotheus?

The pronunciation of Timotheus is four to five syllables and is widely articulated. It is pronounced as 'Ti-mo-the-us' [timoˈteːʊs] and begins with a bright, clear 'i' that conveys lightness. The syllable sequence unfolds rhythmically and gracefully, while the ending '-eus' sounds open and slightly elevated. Timotheus thus appears sonorous and dignified, presenting itself as a cultivated, calm, and tradition-rich name.

When is the name day of Timotheus?

The name day for Timotheus is celebrated on January 26 (in honor of Saint Timotheus) and on August 22 (in honor of the martyr Timotheus).

Popularity

In Germany, Timotheus is among the more common first names. Currently, it ranks 1,751st on the list of the most popular male baby names. The name achieved its best ranking in 2010 at 954th place. In the last ten years, Timotheus has been given as a first name approximately 170 times, placing it 1,777th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 1,936th.

Nicknames & pet names

Deus / Theo / Tim / Timmi / Timo

Similar first names

Famous people

• Christoph Timotheus Seidel (German theologian)
• Johann Timotheus Hermes (German writer)
• Ludwig Adolph Timotheus Radlkofer (German botanist)
• Ludwig Timotheus Spittler (German historian)
• Timotheus Christian Wilhelm Overkamp (historian from Germany)
• Timotheus Lütkemann (theologian from Germany)