Bob – Name Meaning
The name Bob is a boy’s name of English origin meaning “bright fame”. It is derived from the Old English name Robert, which means “bright fame”. The name Bob has been around since the Middle Ages and was popularized in the United States in the 19th century. It is a common nickname for Robert, and can also be used as a stand-alone name.
History and Origin
The name Bob is derived from the Old English name Robert, which means “bright fame”. The name Robert was popularized by the Normans during their invasion of England in 1066. The Normans brought with them many French names, including Robert. The name became popular throughout Europe during the Middle Ages. In England, it was often shortened to Rob or Bob.
In the United States, the name Bob became popular in the 19th century. It was often used as a nickname for Robert, but it could also be used as a stand-alone name. By the 20th century, Bob had become one of the most popular names in America.
Popularity
Bob has been a popular name in the United States for many years. According to Social Security Administration data, it was among the top 100 most popular names for boys born between 1880 and 1940. In recent years, however, its popularity has declined somewhat. In 2018, it ranked #717 on the list of most popular baby boy names.
Famous People Named Bob
There are many famous people who have been given the name Bob, including:
- Bob Dylan (singer/songwriter)
- Bob Marley (reggae musician)
- Bob Hope (comedian)
- Bob Newhart (actor/comedian)
- Bob Barker (game show host)
- Bob Ross (painter/television host)
Variations of Bob
The name Bob can also be spelled as Rob or Bobby. There are also several variations of Robert that can be used as nicknames for Bob, such as Robby, Robbie, and Robbin.
