Does anyone know in what country the Tobias name originated? I came across some while living in Hungary but my Romanian and Hungarian friends both agree that it is probably not a native name.

I don't know about Hungarian Tobias', but I know many of the Berks Co, PA and surrounding counties Tobias came from Hans Jost Tobe. When he came over in 1741 from Wiebelskirchen, Zweibrucken, Rhine-Pfalz, Germany he signed his name Johann Jost Thowe. Since Hans as he is known came over, the name has gone through many variations in the 1700 and 1800.

The Roman Catholic Bible contains a section called the Apocrypha. In the Apocrypha is a book entitled, Tobit or Tobiah. The main character in this book is Tobias. Also, I have found people from many different countries whose surname is Tobias. This has led me to believe that the name is Hebrew in origin, though I have no proof.

According to some reference I read many years ago, Tobiah means "the Lord is my Go(o)d" in Hebrew.
In the case of my ancestor, Hans Jost Tobe, it would appear his sons adopted the Tobias name from Tobe rather than a Jewish origen. Also, Tobias is not an uncommon name in Mexico which has minimal Jewish population.

The name is from Israel.It is Jewish.

I believe it is hebrew too.I believe that the Tobias family that went to places like Germany,Holland,and Spain,ect...came from Israel.I think they left on a ship from palestine,but cannot prove it at this time.All forms of Tob are hebrew in origin Jewish people tell me.I hope we can all find out more.may all Tobias's be blessed in Jesus's holy name.Love you all,Patti

I am also a descendant of Hans Jost Tobe,as I just found out a few months ago.All forms of the name Tob is hebrew in origin.I have a very reliable source,but I cannot prove this at this time,but I am working on it.Tobias and all forms of this name are very ancient,and very precious names.There is very few nations as ancient as Israel.In Mexico there is more sephardic jew's than you may think!!! The Jew's were kicked out of Spain and many went to Mexico who married Spanish people.The jew's from Spain and Mexico are Known as Sephardic jew's,and there are many of them in Mexico.When researching a name like ours,we must try to go back as far as we can because it is believed to be so ancient,and this is indicated by the fact that the name was once a first name of the original bearer of the name.Please e-mail if you wish,and may God bless you always,in Jesus's holy and good name,Love Diane

My great grandfather's name was Tobias & he came from Poland in 1905man

My Grandfather was a Tobias and was born in Hungary in 1896. I would like to know where it originated as well.

Ronald, are you from Idaho?? Joan Finn