Origin and Meaning of Timotheus

Meaning & Origin

Honoring God

Origin: Greek - Derived from the Greek name Timotheos, which is formed from the elements 'timao' meaning 'to honor' and 'theos' meaning 'God'.

Interesting Facts

  • Timotheus is a Hellenized form of the early Christian name Timothy, used particularly in ancient texts and religious contexts.
  • Timotheus is less common in modern usage but can be found in various forms in different cultures, such as Timothy in English and Timoteo in Spanish.
  • Notable bearers of the name include Timothy of Ephesus, a companion of the Apostle Paul in the New Testament, who is often referred to as Timotheus in biblical texts.
  • While Timotheus is not widely used today, the name Timothy has consistently been popular in English-speaking countries, often ranking in the top 100 boys' names in the past.
  • Variations of the name include Timothee (French), Timotheus (Latin), and Timoteus (Dutch), illustrating its widespread influence across languages.