Kobe Name Meaning

The name Kobe means “little forest.” This gives the name a sense of nature, tranquility, and peace. It is a name that evokes feelings of calm and serenity, and can be seen as a symbol of the simple, yet beautiful things in life.

Origins of the Name Kobe

The name Kobe is of Japanese origin, and is a shortened version of the name “Kobayashi,” which means “little forest.” Kobe is a city in Japan, and is best known for its picturesque harbor and high-quality beef.

The name Kobe has been popular in Japan for many decades, but it was not until the late 1990s that the name started to gain popularity outside of Japan. This was largely due to the rise of Kobe Bryant, who was one of the most dominant basketball players of his generation.

Popularity of the Name Kobe

Kobe was not a particularly common name in the United States until the late 1990s, when Kobe Bryant entered the NBA. In the years following Bryant’s rise to stardom, the name Kobe started to become increasingly popular. By the early 2000s, it was one of the fastest-growing names in the United States.

Since the tragic passing of Kobe Bryant in 2020, the name Kobe has become even more popular. In the wake of his death, parents all over the world have started to name their sons after the basketball legend, as a way to honor his legacy and pay tribute to his impact on the world.

In 2021, the name Kobe ranked #274 in popularity among baby boy names in the United States, up from #454 in 2019. The name is particularly popular among parents who are fans of Kobe Bryant, as well as among those who admire his dedication and passion for the game of basketball.

Final Thoughts on the Name Kobe

The name Kobe is a tribute to one of the greatest basketball players of all time, and a symbol of excellence, perseverance, and a relentless drive to be the best. Whether you’re a fan of Kobe Bryant or simply appreciate the meaning behind the name, there’s no denying that it has become one of the most popular names for baby boys in recent years. Whether your little Kobe grows up to become the next basketball superstar or simply a kind and hard-working individual, this name is sure to be a source of inspiration and pride for years to come.

Infographic of Kobe name meaning, which is Supplanter
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Kobe Name Popularity

How popular is the name Kobe? Here’s everything we know.

Year Rank # Births % Births
1910 0 0%
1911 0 0%
1912 0 0%
1913 0 0%
1914 0 0%
1915 0 0%
1916 0 0%
1917 0 0%
1918 0 0%
1919 0 0%
1920 0 0%
1921 0 0%
1922 0 0%
1923 0 0%
1924 0 0%
1925 0 0%
1926 0 0%
1927 0 0%
1928 0 0%
1929 0 0%
1930 0 0%
1931 0 0%
1932 0 0%
1933 0 0%
1934 0 0%
1935 0 0%
1936 0 0%
1937 0 0%
1938 0 0%
1939 0 0%
1940 0 0%
1941 0 0%
1942 0 0%
1943 0 0%
1944 0 0%
1945 0 0%
1946 0 0%
1947 0 0%
1948 0 0%
1949 0 0%
1950 0 0%
1951 0 0%
1952 0 0%
1953 0 0%
1954 0 0%
1955 0 0%
1956 0 0%
1957 0 0%
1958 0 0%
1959 0 0%
1960 0 0%
1961 0 0%
1962 0 0%
1963 0 0%
1964 0 0%
1965 0 0%
1966 0 0%
1967 0 0%
1968 0 0%
1969 0 0%
1970 0 0%
1971 0 0%
1972 0 0%
1973 0 0%
1974 0 0%
1975 0 0%
1976 0 0%
1977 0 0%
1978 0 0%
1979 0 0%
1980 0 0%
1981 0 0%
1982 0 0%
1983 0 0%
1984 0 0%
1985 0 0%
1986 0 0%
1987 0 0%
1988 0 0%
1989 0 0%
1990 0 0%
1991 0 0%
1992 0 0%
1993 0 0%
1994 0 0%
1995 0 0%
1996 1,350 37 0.0025%
1997 554 304 0.0206%
1998 263 1,093 0.073%
1999 323 829 0.0554%
2000 237 1,418 0.0928%
2001 222 1,538 0.1021%
2002 242 1,383 0.0923%
2003 264 1,199 0.0788%
2004 413 594 0.039%
2005 536 411 0.0269%
2006 535 429 0.0274%
2007 473 534 0.0338%
2008 400 706 0.0457%
2009 418 649 0.0434%
2010 419 621 0.0431%
2011 476 510 0.0358%
2012 487 511 0.0359%
2013 486 518 0.0364%
2014 523 483 0.0332%
2015 582 422 0.029%
2016 502 550 0.0381%
2017 516 505 0.0362%
2018 563 437 0.0318%
2019 534 468 0.0346%
2020 238 1,462 0.1149%
2021 297 1,091 0.0892%
2022 380 814 0.0617%

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New York (NY)

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Data via SSA.gov.


Names Like Kobe

If you like Kobe, you’ll love these other names like Kobe.


What names sound like Kobe?

If you like how Kobe sounds, you might also like these names that sound like Kobe.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Cobe

Hungarian

Kobey

Hungarian

Kobie

Hungarian

Koby

Supplanter

Hungarian


What names are similar to Kobe?

Find a name that’s like Kobe, but just a little bit different.

Name Meaning Origin Popularity Other Gender
Jobe

Persecuted

Hebrew

Tobe

God is good

Hebrew


Lists With Kobe

Find inspiration in these baby boy name lists featuring the name Kobe.


5 Comments

  1. Walk 13 he 1 year

  2. I like it, although it was my husband’s choice

  3. so bless and thankful

  4. I’m sure Kobe will skyrocket along with Bryant due to the basketball star’s untimely death. Any child named after Kobe Bryant will definitely have a story to tell. May Kobe and Gigi RIP

  5. We did no know the gender and we did not have a name. Two days before our Kobe was born, Kobe Bryant was killed in an accident. My husband loves basketball and we liked how the name sounded for our little boy


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