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

Popularity of Rob by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 11 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Rob.

The history of the first name Rob

The given name Rob is a diminutive form of the name Robert, which has its origins in the Germanic languages. Robert is derived from the Old High German name Hruodberht, which is composed of the elements hruod ("fame" or "glory") and berht ("bright" or "shining"). This name became popular in medieval Europe through the veneration of St. Robert, the founder of the Cistercian order.

The name Robert can be traced back to the 8th century, when it was first recorded as the name of a Frankish nobleman. It gained widespread popularity in the Christian world due to its association with several saints and religious figures, including St. Robert of Molesme (1028-1111), the founder of the Cistercian order, and St. Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621), a Jesuit scholar and cardinal.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Rob as a diminutive form of Robert dates back to the 13th century in England. Over time, Rob became a common nickname for Robert, and it eventually evolved into a standalone given name.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Rob or its variants. Here are five examples:

1. Rob Roy MacGregor (1671-1734), a Scottish folk hero and outlaw who was renowned for his cattle rustling and resistance against the English.
2. Rob Halford (born 1951), the lead singer of the iconic heavy metal band Judas Priest, known for his powerful vocals and theatrical stage presence.
3. Rob Reiner (born 1947), an American actor, director, and producer, best known for his roles in the sitcom "All in the Family" and for directing films such as "When Harry Met Sally" and "The Princess Bride."
4. Rob Zombie (born 1965), an American musician, filmmaker, and former founder of the heavy metal band White Zombie, known for his fusion of horror and industrial metal genres.
5. Rob Lowe (born 1964), an American actor and producer, famous for his roles in films such as "The Outsiders," "St. Elmo's Fire," and the TV series "The West Wing."

The name Rob has a rich history, originating from the Germanic roots and evolving into a popular diminutive form of Robert over the centuries. Its association with saints, religious figures, and various notable individuals across different fields has contributed to its enduring popularity and cultural significance.

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

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

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