Names Greek Male

Timothy

Also: Timothée, Timoteo

Meaning

Greek "honoring God" (timao + theos).

Figure

Companion of Paul; recipient of 1 and 2 Timothy; first bishop of Ephesus by tradition.

Feast day

January 26 (Catholic, Anglican); January 22 (Orthodox)

Traditions
CATHOLICORTHODOXANGLICANPROTESTANT

In the Christian tradition

Timothy is the young companion of Paul named in Acts 16:1, the recipient of 1 and 2 Timothy in the New Testament, traditionally the first bishop of Ephesus. The Catholic and Anglican calendars commemorate him with Titus on January 26. The name has been in continuous Christian use.

Timothy is one of Paul's most-named companions, mentioned in seven of Paul's letters as co-author or co-greeter. The two Pastoral Epistles addressed to him (1 and 2 Timothy) cover pastoral leadership and Christian formation in detail. Tradition holds that he became the first bishop of Ephesus and was martyred there. The Catholic and Anglican calendars commemorate Timothy and Titus together on January 26, the day after the Conversion of Paul. The name has been in continuous Christian use across the centuries; modern English-speaking Christian families use it freely.