Timothy

Etymology

From Middle French Timothée, from Latin Timotheus, from Ancient Greek Τιμόθεος (Timótheos), from τιμάω (timáō, “I honour”) + θεός (theós, “god”)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈtɪməθi/

Proper noun

Timothy

1. Either of two books in the New Testament (1 Timothy and 2 Timothy) which are epistles to Timothy.
2. A companion of Paul mentioned in the Bible.
   • 1611, Bible (King James Version), 1 Timothy 1:2:
     :

     Unto Timothy, my own son in the faith: Grace, mercy, and peace, from God our Father and Jesus Christ our Lord.

3. A male given name of biblical origin, also borne by early Christian saints.
   • 1867 William Brighty Rands, Shoemakers' Village, Strahan 1871, pages 89-90:

     The name Timothy was an inspiration of Cherry's own. - - - "Now then, TIMOTHY!" and this she said with a rapid forte crescendo movement which made her mother laugh and also with a jerk which spilt the milk on the little one's forehead. "Well, mother," says Cherry gaily, "I've christened him at all events." And Timothy being a distinctive name, and a scriptural one, it was retained as the appellative of this mite,

   • 1932 A. A. Milne, The Christopher Robin Verses: Cradle Song:

     O Timothy Tim / Has ten pink toes, / And ten pink toes / Has Timothy Tim.