Tobby is an alternate spelling of Toby — and at rank 1026, it appears as a separate entry from the more common Toby because licensing systems count spellings individually. The double-b is a minor orthographic variant that doesn't change how the name sounds or feels; it just creates a data split. The name itself is warm, approachable, and one of the more consistent mid-tier male pet names in the registries.
Toby vs. Tobby
Toby is the standard spelling, derived as a short form of Tobias — a Hebrew name meaning "God is good." The double-b variant Tobby appears occasionally in older British spellings and in creative informal use. Most owners choosing this spelling are probably not thinking about it as a deliberate variant; it's more likely a personal spelling preference or a typo that became official on the license form. The experience of owning a Tobby versus a Toby is identical.
The Name's Personality
Toby/Tobby has a friendly, unhurried quality — it doesn't try too hard. It appears consistently on Golden Retrievers and Beagles, breeds where an easygoing name fits the dog's temperament. The human version Tobias is currently trending upward on baby charts, which may give this pet name a slightly more elevated association over time.
Which Spelling to Use
If you want Toby, spell it Toby. The double-b doesn't add anything and creates a small but real paperwork complication — every vet form, every license renewal will need to match. The variant exists in the data; it doesn't need to be perpetuated.