Diminutive of Timothy, from Greek 'timotheos' meaning 'honoring God'.
Timmy is the affectionate diminutive of Timothy, a name of Greek origin composed of timē ("honor") and theos ("God") — meaning "one who honors God" or "in God's honor." Timothy appears in the New Testament as a close companion and protégé of the Apostle Paul; Paul's two epistles addressed to Timothy are among the most personal letters in the Christian canon, giving the name an intimate, mentored quality from the start. As a standalone name, Timmy became deeply embedded in mid-twentieth-century American and British culture.
The character of Timmy the dog in Enid Blyton's Famous Five series, published from the 1940s onward, made the name instantly recognizable to generations of children. American television reinforced it further — Timmy Martin in the beloved series Lassie made "Timmy" synonymous with a certain boyish, earnest adventurousness. These cultural imprints gave the name a wholesome, warm-hearted quality that has proved remarkably durable.
In contemporary naming, Timmy sits at an interesting crossroads. Timothy remains in steady use as a formal name, and Timmy persists both as a childhood nickname and, increasingly, as a standalone given name for parents who prefer the friendly, unpretentious feel of the diminutive form. It carries a nostalgic warmth — the name of a child who climbs trees and befriends animals and believes the world is fundamentally good. Actor Timothée Chalamet has also renewed cultural interest in the Timothy family of names, lending it an unexpected dash of artistic elegance.