The name Kobie is believed to have originated from the Dutch language. It is a diminutive form of the name Jacob, which itself is derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows". The earliest recorded use of the name Kobie dates back to the 17th century in the Netherlands.

One of the earliest known individuals with the name Kobie was Kobie Kalkman, a Dutch painter who lived from 1723 to 1798. He was known for his landscapes and maritime scenes, and his works can be found in various museums across the Netherlands and Europe.

In the 19th century, Kobie van Westerop (1829-1895) was a Dutch politician and jurist who served as the Minister of Justice in the Netherlands from 1891 to 1893. He was instrumental in implementing several legal reforms during his tenure.

Another notable figure with the name Kobie was Kobie Coetzee (1945-2022), a South African cricketer who played as a right-arm fast-medium bowler for the South African national team in the late 1960s and early 1970s. He was part of the team that toured England in 1970 and played in the first-ever One Day International match.

In the world of literature, Kobie Kruger (1950-2012) was a South African writer and poet who wrote extensively in Afrikaans. Her works explored themes of identity, gender, and the complexities of life in post-apartheid South Africa. She received numerous literary awards and accolades during her lifetime.

Kobie Venter (1950-), a South African actress and playwright, is another individual who has carried the name Kobie. She has had a long and successful career in the performing arts, appearing in numerous stage productions, films, and television shows. Her plays have addressed various social and political issues in South Africa.

While the name Kobie has its origins in the Dutch language, it has been adopted and used in various cultures and regions around the world, particularly in South Africa, where it has gained popularity as a given name for both males and females.