Kolbe is an uncommon yet striking given name of Slavic origin, particularly popular among Polish families. Derived from the Slavic word 'koleba', meaning 'cradle' or 'swing', it evokes images of nurturing and gentle motion. The name Kolbe is associated with Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a Polish priest who volunteered to take the place of another man in the Auschwitz concentration camp during World War II. This act of selfless love has made Kolbe a significant figure in Catholic history, contributing to the name's distinctive character.
The name Kolbe experienced varying popularity over the years, with peaks of eight births each in 2001 and 2017, as well as 2021. The most recent data from 2020 to 2021 shows a consistent trend of five births per year.