Rob

♂ Boy

Pronounced ROB /ˈrɒb/High

Meaning: A classic short form of Robert, from Germanic hrod ('fame') + beraht ('bright') - 'bright fame.' Friendly and enduring.Low

In 30 seconds: A friendly short name: Rob shortens Robert, 'bright fame' (said 'ROB'). Classic and easygoing.

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Origin MediumEnglish, Germanic

MeaningA classic short form of Robert, from Germanic hrod ('fame') + beraht ('bright') - 'bright fame.' Friendly and enduring.

U.S. rank (2025)#10457 ↗ Rising

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

Peak year1963

Total births (all-time)≈ 8,775

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Rob is a short form of Robert (hrod, 'fame,' + beraht, 'bright'), 'bright fame.' Friendly and enduring, used as a standalone name - rare on its own in the U.S. (said 'ROB').

It appears only rarely as a given name on its own. Rare, classic, and easygoing.

Did you know? Rob is the classic short form of Robert - from 'fame' plus 'bright,' 'bright fame' - an easygoing, enduring nickname long used on its own (said 'ROB').

Overall data confidence 50%

References - Rob — short form of Robert; 'bright fame'

Variations

RobbRobbieRobert

Nicknames

RobbieRobby

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Rob…

Robert— the name it shortens

Robbie— a like Robert pet form

Bob— a like classic Robert short form

Rory— a like short warm name

Explore names like Rob

By themeenglish classic friendly nickname

By meaningLight Eternal

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rob mean?

Rob is a short form of Robert, from 'fame' plus 'bright' - 'bright fame.'

How do you pronounce Rob?

It's said ROB /ˈrɒb/ - one syllable.

Is Rob a boy or girl name?

Rob is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Rob?

Rob is a rare name on its own in the U.S.