Boy Name · Germanic Origin
Bob
Last reviewed: June 2026
Here is what we know about Bob: it is a boy name meaning "Bright fame", with Germanic roots, and it lands in the Top 500 band of US popularity for 2026. Names like Bobby share its phonetic family.
Names like Bob
- Bobby — meaning, origin and popularity
- Bobbi — meaning, origin and popularity
- Bobbie — meaning, origin and popularity
- Boby — meaning, origin and popularity
- Bev — meaning, origin and popularity
- Bubba — meaning, origin and popularity
- Bebe — meaning, origin and popularity
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Frequently asked about Bob
What does the name Bob mean?
Bob means "Bright fame" and is of Germanic origin.
What is the origin of Bob?
Bob originates in Germanic naming tradition. Names of Germanic origin often share recognizable sounds and cultural roots that shape how the name reads today.
How do you pronounce Bob?
Bob has 3 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable. Tap the pronunciation player on this page to hear it spoken aloud.
Is Bob a boy's or girl's name?
Bob is primarily used as a boy's name in US records, though usage can vary by region and era.
How popular is Bob in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Bob sits in the Top 500 tier — familiar without being overly common.
What names are similar to Bob?
Names that share Bob's sound and style include Bobby, Bobbi, Bobbie, Boby, Bev. Open the "Names like Bob" rail on this page for the full list.