The name Kobi is derived from the Hebrew language and culture. It is a masculine name that originated in ancient Israel, likely during the biblical era.

Kobi is a diminutive form of the Hebrew name Yaakov, which means "supplanter" or "one who follows". The root of the name, "akev", is related to the idea of following or coming after. This biblical connection links the name to the patriarch Jacob, also known as Israel, from the Book of Genesis.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kobi can be found in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism. The Talmud mentions a sage named Kobi, who lived during the Mishnaic period, around the 2nd century CE.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kobi. One of the earliest was Kobi ben Nahman (born around 270 CE), a prominent Jewish scholar and leader in Babylonia during the Talmudic era.

Another famous bearer of the name was Kobi ben Shmuel (born around 1050 CE), a renowned Jewish philosopher and Torah commentator from Spain during the Golden Age of Jewish culture in the Iberian Peninsula.

In more recent times, Kobi Anan (1938-2018) was a notable Ghanaian diplomat and the seventh Secretary-General of the United Nations, serving from 1997 to 2006.

Kobi Yamada (born 1955) is a Japanese-American writer and motivational speaker, best known for his inspirational children's books, including the bestseller "What Do You Do With an Idea?".

Kobi Marimi (born 1975) is an Israeli singer and songwriter who has had a successful career in the Israeli music industry, with several hit albums and awards.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the name Kobi, showcasing its enduring presence across various cultures and time periods.