What does Bob mean and where does it come from?
Although traditionally a male name, Bob is increasingly used as a feminine name, often as a playful or casual nickname. Bob has been popularized in contemporary culture with notable figures like Bob Dylan and Bob Ross, contributing to its unisex appeal.
Cultural significance
Bob has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #2049 in 1932 — currently #1613 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Bob?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Bob?
Bob works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Bob Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bob Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bob Claire
French influence · crisp
Bob Jane
Literary · strong
Bob Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Bob right now?
Holding steady — currently #1613 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1613 | 587 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1618 | 567 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1623 | 537 | ▲ up 6404 · +10640% births |
| 1970 | #8027 | 5 | ▼ down 2793 · -17% births |
| 1955 | #5234 | 6 | ▼ down 646 · +20% births |
| 1945 | #4588 | 5 | ▼ down 212 |
| 1940 | #4376 | 5 | ▼ down 1623 · -50% births |
| 1935 | #2753 | 10 | ▼ down 305 · -23% births |
| 1930 | #2448 | 13 | ▲ up 1990 · +117% births |
| 1925 | #4438 | 6 | — |
The story of Bob
Bob entered American naming records in 1913 and has been in use for over 111 years. A total of 93,277 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4438 in 1925 to #1613 in 2023. Bob is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Bob in 1932:
Bob by decade
Bob peaked in the 1930s. See all 1930s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 569 | |
| 1890s | 548 | |
| 1900s | 681 | |
| 1910s | 2,700 | |
| 1920s | 13,765 | |
| 1930s ★ | 23,397 | |
| 1940s | 21,428 | |
| 1950s | 12,936 | |
| 1960s | 13,819 | |
| 1970s | 1,988 | |
| 1980s | 751 | |
| 1990s | 367 | |
| 2000s | 183 | |
| 2010s | 133 | |
| 2020s | 12 | |
What are good nicknames for Bob?
What names sound and feel like Bob?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Bob also consider these
How is Bob written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Bob
What does the name Bob mean?
Bob means "English" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Bob?
Bob is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Bob?
Bob originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Bob?
Bob is a one-syllable name pronounced B AA1 B. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Bob sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Bob flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Bob ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.