The Surname of Tobey
The English surname of Tobey first developed in the 12th and 13th centuries, during the period most British Isles surnames were formed. At this time in history, a rapidly advancing society, combined with a stronger, more centralized government, necessitated a more advanced nomenclature, or system of names, to reliably distinguish one individual from another. The surname Tobey is of personal name origins, and derived from a Greek form of the Yiddish given name "Tovya", meaning "Jehovah is good". The name was translated in the Greek New Testament as "Tobius", and from this the names Tobey and Tobias derived.
The Blazon of the family arms of Tobey: Sable and Or Chequy, per fess Argent a Cinquefoil Gules.
- Chequy (Checky) originated with the chess or checkers game board. It is a symbol of constancy and equity. Sable (black) denotes repentance and vengeance. Or (gold) symbolizes generosity, valor and perseverance.
- Fess is a badge of the military belt of honor worn in ancient times. Symbol of the miltary belt, it occupies the middle quarter of the shield, as a bar, left to right. Argent (white or silver) denotes serenity and nobility.
- Cinquefoil Gules represents a red rose. Gules (red) represents fortitude and creative power.