Find out how popular the first name Bob has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Bob by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Bob is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Bob.

The history of the first name Bob

The name Bob is a diminutive form of the name Robert, which has its origins in the Germanic languages. The name Robert is derived from the old Germanic roots "hrod" and "berht," which together mean "bright fame" or "bright renown." The name was brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066 and quickly became a popular name among the nobility and royalty.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Bob can be found in the 14th century writings of Geoffrey Chaucer, where the character Bob is referred to in his famous work, "The Canterbury Tales." This suggests that the diminutive form of Robert was already in use by that time.

In the 16th century, the name Bob became more widely used among the common people, particularly in England and Scotland. It was seen as a friendly and informal way to address someone named Robert, and it was often used as a nickname or a pet name.

Throughout history, there have been several notable people who bore the name Bob. One of the most famous is Robert the Bruce, also known as Bob, who was the King of Scots from 1306 to 1329 and played a crucial role in the Scottish Wars of Independence against England.

Another well-known figure is Bob Marley, the legendary Jamaican singer and songwriter who popularized reggae music worldwide. He was born Robert Nesta Marley in 1945 and passed away in 1981, leaving behind a lasting legacy in the music industry.

In the world of literature, Bob Dylan, born Robert Allen Zimmerman in 1941, is a renowned American singer-songwriter, artist, and author. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest songwriters of the 20th century and has won numerous awards, including the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Bob Geldof, born Robert Frederick Xenon Geldof in 1951, is an Irish singer, songwriter, and political activist. He is best known for co-writing the charity single "Do They Know It's Christmas?" and organizing the Live Aid concert in 1985 to raise funds for famine relief in Ethiopia.

Finally, Bob Hope, born Leslie Townes Hope in 1903, was an American comedian, actor, and author. He is considered one of the most famous entertainers of the 20th century and was known for his numerous performances for American troops during World War II and subsequent conflicts.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Bob was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Bob, please contact us.

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