Bob
Bob is a diminutive of Robert, derived from the Germanic name meaning 'bright fame.' It became a standalone name in the 20th century, embodying a friendly, approachable character.
Current Popularity
#9845 for boys
in the United States (2025)
Popularity over time
Good to Know
- •Extremely easy to spell and pronounce in English-speaking countries
- •Very casual and informal - may be too relaxed for formal professional settings
- •Often perceived as a nickname rather than a formal given name
- •Strong mid-20th century associations, giving it a retro-friendly feel
Similar Names
Famous People
Bob Dylan
Singer-songwriter and Nobel Prize laureate
Bob Marley
Reggae musician and cultural icon
Bob Hope
Comedian and actor
Bob Ross
Painter and television host
Statistics
92,986
Total births since 1880
1959
Peak year
Discovery
Keep browsing
Rising now
Browse trending names
Names that climbed the most between 2020 and 2025.
Always popular
Explore timeless classics
Names that have sat in the top 50 for decades.
For this gender
See all-time favorites
The most common names since 1880, by total births.
Stories
Read famous-name profiles
How well-known people changed the names they carried.
Guides
Browse recent articles
Recent articles on naming trends.