Boy Name · Germanic Origin
Bob
Last reviewed: June 2026
Bob — a boy name from the Germanic tradition — is familiar without being overly common. Its meaning, "Bright fame", anchors the name in something deeper than sound alone. If Bobby is on your shortlist, Bob belongs in the same conversation.
Names like Bob
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.
How do you pronounce Bob?
Bob has 3 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Bob a boy's or girl's name?
Bob is primarily used as a boy's name in US records.
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.