Encyclopedia Entry: Tobias

Surname: Tobias

Origin:

The surname Tobias has its roots in England, deriving from the Hebrew given name Tobias, meaning "God is good". It is thought to have been introduced to the British Isles by the Norman conquerors after the invasion of 1066.

History:

The surname Tobias first appears in historical records in the early medieval period, with early variations including Tobyas, Tobye, and Tobie. It has been documented in various forms across the British Isles, with notable concentrations in regions such as Norfolk, Yorkshire, and Lancashire.

Notable Bearers:

  • Tobias Smollett (1721–1771) - A Scottish poet and author best known for his novels, including "The Adventures of Roderick Random" and "The Expedition of Humphry Clinker".
  • Tobias Mews - A modern English endurance athlete, journalist, and author, known for his exploits in ultramarathons and adventure racing.

Variants:

The surname Tobias has various spelling variants, including Tobie, Tobey, Tobee, and Tobyas. Over time, these variants have emerged due to factors such as regional accents, migration, and changes in spelling conventions.

Today:

Today, the surname Tobias remains relatively common across the United Kingdom and the wider English-speaking world. It continues to be passed down through generations, reflecting a centuries-old connection to English and Scottish heritage.


This entry provides a brief overview of the British surname Tobias, highlighting its historical origins, notable bearers, and variations.

There are approximately 778 people named Tobias in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,974th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Tobias.

Surname type: From given name or forename

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Adam
  • Alan
  • Anthony
  • David
  • Joel
  • Martin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon

Female

  • Adele
  • Alison
  • Anne
  • Barbara
  • Caroline
  • Emma
  • Helen
  • Margaret
  • Mary
  • Michelle
  • Sarah
  • Sheila
  • Susan

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