Bob
A unisex name of Germanic origin, meaning bright fame; a diminutive of robert.
Babies a year
18
the US, 2017
Rarity
Very rare
among names in use
US popularity
—
outside the top 1000
UK popularity
—
outside the ONS list
Bob by the numbers
Bob was given to 18 American babies in 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
Its American peak was 2,824 babies in 1959, so it is a 1950s name that has since fallen a long way.
Spelled almost the same
Other names in the records within a letter or two of Bob. Close spellings are not always related names, but they are usually worth seeing together.
Other names that mean light
Like Bob, each of these has light in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Lucasbringer of light; from Lucania12,963 in the US (2017)
- Lukefrom Lucania; light9,168 in the US (2017)
- Norahonour, light6,036 in the US (2017)
- Eleanorshining light5,519 in the US (2017)
- Robertbright fame; renowned warrior5,507 in the US (2017)
- Ellieshining light; short for Eleanor5,000 in the US (2017)
Other names that mean praise
Like Bob, each of these has praise in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Sebastianvenerable, revered10,149 in the US (2017)
- Aaronmountain of strength; exalted7,185 in the US (2017)
- Norahonour, light6,036 in the US (2017)
- Muhammadpraiseworthy, worthy of praise5,957 in England and Wales (2025)
- Robertbright fame; renowned warrior5,507 in the US (2017)
- Austingreat; venerable; a form of augustus5,161 in the US (2017)