All about the name BOB

Meaning, origin, history.

Bob is a name of English origin that has been used for centuries. It is typically considered a diminutive form of the name Robert, which means "bright" or "famous". The name Bob gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century and has since become a classic American name.

While the origins of the name Bob are clear, its meaning and significance can vary depending on cultural and personal interpretations. Some people may associate the name Bob with qualities such as strength, courage, or wisdom, due to its association with historical figures like Robert the Bruce, the Scottish king who fought for independence from England in the 14th century.

Throughout history, the name Bob has been carried by many notable individuals across various fields. For example, Bob Dylan is a famous American singer-songwriter known for his impact on popular music and American culture during the 1960s. Additionally, Bob Marley was a Jamaican musician and performer who became one of the greatest icons of reggae music worldwide.

In literature, the name Bob has been used in numerous works, often as a character's nickname or as a symbol of simplicity or familiarity. For instance, "Bob" is the narrator's name in F. Scott Fitzgerald's short story "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button."

Overall, while the name Bob may not have any specific symbolic meaning beyond its association with the name Robert, it has nonetheless become an enduring and iconic name that continues to be used by people around the world today.

See also

English

Popularity of the name BOB since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Bob has been a classic choice for parents in the United States for much of the past century. The statistic shows that it was given to babies as early as 1913 with five births recorded that year. This number fluctuated over time, but consistently remained within single digits until the 1960s.

The name Bob reached its peak popularity during the mid-20th century. In 1967, a total of ten babies were named Bob, marking the highest point in this dataset. After this period, the frequency of the name Bob began to decrease steadily, reaching five births again by 1970.

Overall, between the years 1913 and 1970 inclusive, there were a total of 322 babies named Bob in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has varied over time, it has remained a significant choice for parents throughout this period.