Bob

♂ Boy

Pronounced BOB /ˈbɑb/High

Meaning: A short form of Robert — from the Germanic, 'bright fame' (hrod, 'fame', + beraht, 'bright')Low

In 30 seconds: Bright fame: Bob forms Robert. Crisp, classic, and warm (said 'BOB').

Origin LowGermanic

MeaningA short form of Robert — from the Germanic, 'bright fame' (hrod, 'fame', + beraht, 'bright')

U.S. rank (2025)#9845 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births7 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1959

Total births (all-time)≈ 92,985

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

Bob is a short form of Robert — from the Germanic, 'bright fame' (hrod, 'fame', + beraht, 'bright'). A crisp, classic name (said 'BOB').

In the U.S. it appears as a classic mid-century short form. Rare on its own today, bright-fame at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Robert is 'bright fame' in Germanic (hrod + beraht) — Bob is a classic short form, crisp and friendly (said 'BOB').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Robert — Germanic etymology

BobbyRobRobert

Bobby

Bobby— a kin diminutive

Robert— the source name

Bill— a fellow classic short-form boys' name

Brant— another Germanic name

Benz— a fellow Germanic choice

By meaningLight

What does the name Bob mean?

Bob is a short form of Robert — Germanic 'bright fame' (hrod + beraht).

How do you pronounce Bob?

It's said BOB /ˈbɑb/ — one syllable.

Is Bob a boy or girl name?

Bob is a boy's name.

How popular is Bob?

Bob is a very rare given name on its own in the U.S. today.