Bobby is a diminutive form of the name Robert, which has its origins in the Germanic language. The name Robert is derived from the ancient Germanic words "hrod" meaning "fame" and "berht" meaning "bright." It was initially introduced into Britain by Normans during the 11th century.

The first recorded use of the name Bobby as a diminutive for Robert dates back to the late 16th century. It gained popularity as a nickname in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly among English-speaking communities.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Bobby was Bobby Shafto, an English politician and Member of Parliament who lived from 1730 to 1797. He was the subject of a popular English nursery rhyme, "Bobby Shafto's Gone to Sea."

Another historical figure with the name Bobby was Bobby Leach (1857-1926), an English cricketer who played for Somerset County Cricket Club and represented England in Test matches.

In the realm of sports, Bobby Jones (1902-1971) was a legendary American golfer who won 13 major championships and is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

Bobby Fischer (1943-2008) was a prodigious American chess player who became a Grandmaster at the age of 15 and later won the World Chess Championship in 1972, defeating Boris Spassky.

Bobby Charlton (born 1937) is an English football legend who played for Manchester United and England's national team. He was a part of the England team that won the 1966 FIFA World Cup and is considered one of the greatest midfielders of all time.

While the name Bobby was initially a diminutive of Robert, it has since become a standalone name in its own right, used by parents for their children without necessarily being a nickname.