Surname Tobey - Meaning and Origin

Tobey: What does the surname Tobey mean?

The last name Tobey is an English surname derived from the Old French name "Toby," which is ultimately derived from the Middle English "Tobye" or "Tobi" which itself is of Hebrew origin and means "God is my goodness." Over time, the last name Tobey has also gained a variety of spellings including Tobe, Tubb, Tobey, Tuby and Tabby.

Tobey is primarily found in England and was likely originally associated with either someone who owned or worked with horses or a nickname given to a person known for their good-naturedness. It is also possible that the name may have been adopted as a sign of good luck or a way to ward off bad luck.

The Tobey name is quite common in England and the United States and can be found as far away as Australia. In the United States, the last name Tobey is most prevalent in Utah, California and Oregon.

In modern culture, the Tobey name has been linked to several famous people, including American actor and filmmaker Tobey Maguire, MyNetworkTV host Tobey Mason, and English soccer player Toby Alderweireld.

In addition to its origins and prominence in several cultures, the last name Tobey has earned a representation in literature and art. It is featured in several books, films and songs, making it an important and widely-recognized surname.

Tobey: Where does the name Tobey come from?

The last name Tobey is relatively common today, mainly in the United States. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, as of 2020 there are about 22,084 people in the U.S. with the last name Tobey. Most of those with the last name Tobey today are descendants of early English immigrants who arrived during the 1600s. In addition, there are a few communities on the East Coast that are home to large populations of the last name Tobey. The largest concentration of this name is located in Central New York, specifically Cortland, Madison, Chenango, and Oswego Counties. The smaller population is spread throughout the rest of the country, with spots in California, Texas, Michigan, Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and more.

Though the name Tobey primarily exists within the Eastern states, it is still relatively common. However, the name is unique enough that it remains distinct throughout the entire country. As a result, it is possible to trace one's family tree back to the original Tobey settlers. In addition, since it is not a popular surname, it is easy to trace one's ancestry and potentially find distant relatives. Overall, the last name Tobey is a unique one that has been prominent in the United States since the 1600s.

Variations of the surname Tobey

The surname Tobey has a number of variants and spellings in English, including Toby, Tobie, Tobee, Tobey, Tobey, Tobea, Tobiah and Tobia. The variations are derived from a variety of sources, including variations of the given name Tobias and patronymic names derived from the given name, as well as other sources.

The surname Tobey is of English origin, and related variants variant of Tobias, a Hebrew name meaning “The Lord is good”. It is thought to have first appeared in England during the Norman Conquest in 1066, when it was introduced by Norman French forms of the name Tobias. The form “Tobey” appears to have been used in England as early as the 13th century.

The surname Tobey also has other variants and spellings in several other languages, including Tedesco in Italian and Italiano. Common variations in Spanish include Tobeo and Tobeyo. In German it is spelled Toeben or Toebenstein. In Portuguese, Tobaïa is an alternative spelling.

Variants of the surname Tobey are found in Jewish communities. This includes variants such as Tobash, Toboloski, Tobkin and Tovar. In Nicaragua, Tobar is a common spelling of the surname.

Overall, the surname Tobey is found in many countries and in many forms, having roots in many cultures. The many variants of the surname showcase the breadth of its cultural heritage.

Famous people with the name Tobey

• Thomas Tobey: Thomas Tobey is an American musician and producer best known as the frontman of the rock band The Rentals.
• Maddie Tobey: Maddie Tobey is an American actress who has appeared in the comedy film The Hot Chick and the CW TV show One Tree Hill.
• Mark Tobey: Mark Tobey was an American painter, widely noted for his espousal of abstract expressionism and a recipient of the 1958 National Medal of Arts.
• William A. Tobey: William A. Tobey is a US government official specializing in arms control, nuclear non-proliferation, and the Middle East.
• Michael Tobey: Michael Tobey is an American theatre director, producer and actor, best known for his 2018 production of "Mr. Burns, A Post-Electric Play".
• Laura Tobey: Laura Tobey was an American actress best known for her role on the television series The Greatest American Hero and for her appearances in films such as The Howling and Airplane II: The Sequel.
• Tobey Maguire: Tobey Maguire is an American actor and film producer, best known for his roles in the films Spider-Man, Seabiscuit and The Great Gatsby.
• Jack Tobey: Jack Tobey was an American engineer, sculptor and inventor who contributed to the development of many modern technologies, such as the television camera and the automobile carburetor.
• Donald Tobey: Donald Tobey was an American painter and sculptor, who specialized in modern abstract expressionism.
• Paul Tobey: Paul Tobey is an American rap artist and record producer, best known as a member of the rap group Fat Joe and the Terror Squad.

Other surnames

TÖbeTobeTobenToberry/tobery