The name Roby is a diminutive form of the Germanic name Robert, which is derived from the Old High German name Hruodberht. This name is composed of the elements hruod, meaning "fame" or "renown," and berht, meaning "bright" or "shining." The name Robert, and its variant forms, gained widespread popularity across Europe during the Middle Ages.

The name Roby likely originated as a nickname or abbreviated form of Robert, with the first syllable being dropped. This type of name shortening was common in various languages and cultures, as people sought to create more informal or affectionate versions of longer names.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Roby can be found in English historical records from the 13th century, where it appears as a surname. It is believed that this surname may have been derived from the given name Roby, which was in use at the time.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Roby. One of the earliest examples is Roby Kennicott (1838-1866), an American explorer and naturalist who made significant contributions to the study of natural history in the Arctic regions.

Another notable figure was Roby Courtney (1848-1915), an English cricketer who played for the Marylebone Cricket Club and represented England in several matches against Australia in the late 19th century.

In the field of literature, Roby Kidd (1918-2008) was a Canadian author and journalist known for his works on Canadian culture and society, including the book "The Huddled Masses: The Immigrant in Canada."

Roby Davison (1921-2002) was an American filmmaker and documentarian who produced and directed several award-winning films, including the 1972 documentary "Reflections on a Life."

More recently, Roby Brooks (born 1968) is an American singer-songwriter and musician who has released several albums and has been active in the country and Americana music scenes.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Roby throughout history, each making their mark in various fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance associated with this name.