Cosby

“from the village of the cosmos”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 90% boys♀ 10% girls

#1314US 2023

886Births / yr

→Stable

235All-time births

📅 Since 190800

How to pronounce Cosby

KAW·zbee

/ˈkɔ.zbiː/ · stress on KAW · 2 syllables

“from the village of the cosmos”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Cosby mean and where does it come from?

Originally a surname of Old Norse origin, Cosby was derived from place names in England. It gained a degree of popularity as a first name in the late 20th century, likely due to the visibility given to the surname through figures in entertainment, most notably due to Bill Cosby. While more common as

Cultural significance

Cosby has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the village of the cosmos.

Peak popularity

Reached #2387 in 1908 — currently #1314 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Cosby?

Cosby works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Cosby Grace

How popular is Cosby right now?

Holding steady — currently #1314 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1910–2023#1314 · Top 0.97%

1910

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1314	886	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1319	866	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1324	836	▲ up 1356 · +16620% births
1910	#2680	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Cosby

Best Year2023Rank #1314

Peak Count886

Average Rank#1659

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1910 - 20234 years

The story of Cosby

Cosby entered American naming records in 1908 and has been in use for over 116 years. With 235 total births recorded, Cosby remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2680 in 1910 to #1314 in 2023. Cosby is used for both genders: 10% female and 90% male.

Names that peaked alongside Cosby in 1908:

Mary Helen Margaret Ruth Anna

Cosby by decade

Cosby peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →

Decade	Births
1900s	5
1910s	48
1920s ★	78
1930s	53
1940s	22
1950s	18
1960s	5
1970s	6

💎Cosby has only 235 total recorded births since 1908 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Cosby?

Common

CosCo

What names sound and feel like Cosby?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Cosby also consider these

Colby

American · From the coal

Crosby

American · derived from a

English · from the dark

Common questions about the name Cosby

What does the name Cosby mean?

Cosby means "from the village of the cosmos" — 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 Cosby?

Cosby 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 Cosby?

Cosby 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 Cosby?

Cosby is a two-syllable name pronounced K AO1 Z B IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Cosby a common or rare name?

Cosby is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.