Kobey first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Kobey has been for the last 37 years (from 1988 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Kobey

An English diminutive form of Jacob, meaning "holder of the heel" or "supplanter".

Popularity of Kobey by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Kobey is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kobey.

Year Male Count Female Count
2024 7 0
2021 6 0
2020 11 0
2019 13 0
2017 5 0
2016 11 0
2014 9 0
2013 14 0
2012 16 0
2011 18 0
2010 13 0
2009 16 0
2008 16 0
2007 22 0
2006 25 0
2005 21 0
2004 23 0
2003 46 0
2002 65 0
2001 55 0
2000 48 0
1999 46 0
1998 53 0
1997 17 0
1996 11 0
1991 5 0
1988 5 0

The history of the first name Kobey

The name Kobey finds its origins in the Japanese language, with its roots traced back to the late 16th century. The name is a combination of the Japanese words "ko," meaning "small" or "child," and "bei," which translates to "beautiful" or "graceful." This combination creates a name that embodies the idea of a beautiful or graceful child.

While the name Kobey is not widely documented in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is believed to have been used by Japanese families, particularly those with aristocratic or samurai backgrounds, as a way to express their hopes and aspirations for their children.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kobey can be found in the Edo period (1603-1868) of Japanese history. During this time, a renowned calligrapher and artist named Kobey Toshimitsu (1583-1638) gained recognition for his exceptional skills and contributions to the arts.

Another notable figure bearing the name Kobey was Kobey Maresuke (1655-1715), a skilled swordsmith who lived during the late 17th and early 18th centuries. His katanas (Japanese swords) were highly prized for their exceptional craftsmanship and beauty.

In the 19th century, Kobey Akira (1831-1892) was a prominent Japanese scholar and educator who played a pivotal role in the modernization of Japan's education system during the Meiji Restoration.

During the early 20th century, Kobey Kaoru (1901-1975) was a celebrated Japanese novelist and poet whose works explored themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Her poetic prose and lyrical writing style garnered critical acclaim and influenced generations of writers.

More recently, Kobey Tatsuhiro (1932-2018) was a respected Japanese businessman and philanthropist who made significant contributions to various charitable organizations and initiatives focused on education and social welfare.

While these are just a few examples, the name Kobey has been carried by individuals from various walks of life throughout Japanese history, each leaving their mark and contributing to the rich cultural tapestry of the nation.

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 Kobey was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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"Kobey first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on August 13, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/kobey-meaning-and-history/.

"Kobey first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/kobey-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 13 August, 2025

Kobey first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/kobey-meaning-and-history/.

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