Kobe, of Japanese origin, is a unisex given name that has gained significant global popularity, particularly after its association with the famous American basketball player Kobe Bryant. It's derived from the city of Kobe in Japan and means 'cooked rice' in Japanese. In Western cultures, it's often used as a boy's name but can also be given to girls. The name is known for its distinctive sound and its international appeal.
The name Kobe has seen a significant increase in popularity since the late 90s, with its highest points around the early 2000s and again in recent years, particularly in 2020 and 2021. However, there have also been periods of decline, such as between 2004 to 2006 and again from 2015 to 2017. Overall, since 1997, a total of 533 babies named Kobe have been born.