Question

[name_m]Timothy[/name_m], one of my absolute favorites, has been declining a bit rapidly in popularity the past few years. Thus, I’ve been wondering if [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] is becoming dated/dying out. Is it? Or is it just taking a dip in popularity and rise back up again in a few years?

I think [name_m]Timothy[/name_m]'s fairly classic, but becoming a little bit dated? I think it had a surge a while back, and so it feels a little tired (a lot like [name_f]Rachel[/name_f] and [name_f]Rebecca[/name_f] to some, I guess), but it’s a biblical classic, and I’d love to meet a little [name_m]Timmy[/name_m]. I used to adore [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] nn [name_m]Timmy[/name_m] a while back; it’s gone off my radar for a while, but I still think [name_m]Timmy[/name_m]'s adorable. [name_m]Tim[/name_m], not so much, lol, but I love [name_m]Timmy[/name_m].

I think it has one of those timeless sounds to it. The only issue to be concerned about is it’s close association with several religions, which can be a serious negative thing to have a child associated with. I’d not recommend it.

Please Elaborate.

I’m not sure exactly what sort of elaboration you are looking for. Of course, YMMV, but I just don’t recommend giving names to children when they have such strong negative associations. So names like [name_m]Adolf[/name_m], certain biblical names, and so on.

What “strong negative associations” does [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] have? To my own knowledge, [name_m]Saint[/name_m] [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] is highly venerated and respected amongst Christians.

Abrahamic religions have long, bloody and terrible histories. Not something I’d saddle my kid with nor something I’d recommend, regardless if there are people who celebrate these sorts of things. [name_m]Plenty[/name_m] celebrate [name_m]Adolf[/name_m] Hitler and I’m still not going to suggest someone use this name. YMMV.

But as to your original questions, regardless of your taste, [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] does not sound dated.

i’m not sure the general public in the year 2015 would a) have such a working knowledge of religion to associate [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] with a strong religious connection OR (and most importantly) b) associate it negatively to the extent of comparing it with HITLER. just my opinion, but that’s a pretty strong comparison of evil/hatred. i’ve never heard of [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] being viewed in such a light. i don’t see why it wouldn’t be similar to using any other biblical name out there. i say it would sway me to using the name more if it had declined in popularity some and i agree with the pp’s who say it’s a classic. you can’t go wrong!

[name_m]Timothy[/name_m] is a perfectly fine name. Religious names aren’t generally off limits, with a few (precious few) exceptions. [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] is a bit mild, and the nn [name_m]Timmy[/name_m] sounds rather childish, so it’s not one of my favorites, but there’s a [name_m]Tim[/name_m] in my family and he’s a great guy.

I absolutely love [name_m]Timothy[/name_m], and don’t think it sounds dated at all. To me it’s a wonderfully playful and energetic name, that I see as either vintage or perhaps even a classic. If it is considered dated, I don’t think that’s a huge problem, as [name_m]Timothy[/name_m] is still a great name, and I’m always quite glad of dips in popularity :sweat_smile:.

[name_m]Timothy[/name_m] sounds classical and uncommon but in the best way. I’ve never liked the name myself but I certainly think it would be fine to use.