Surname Bob - Meaning and Origin

Bob: What does the surname Bob mean?

The last name Bob is of German origin, meaning "bright famous fame". The name is derived from the Old Germanic personal name Bobbo, or Bobinus, which in turn is derived from the Gothic bobo, meaning "to cheat, deceive, or steal".

The Bob surname first appeared in Germany, and was used by the noble families of many parts of Europe, including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Ireland. It is believed to have evolved from bobo, or Bobinus, as a nickname for a thieves or pranksters. Over the years, it became a popular name associated with notorious robbers, such as the infamous Bob the Robber of 17th century England. The name was most likely adopted by families due to their affinity for unorthodox thievery or outrageous behaviour.

The form of the name can vary from Bob to Rob or Robert, with the meaning remaining the same. The Bob family crest usually features a crowned lion or a griffon holding a medieval axe. This symbol is often seen on Bob coats of arms, representing strength, authority, and fearlessness.

Today, the Bob surname is still quite popular, particularly in the English-speaking world. Bob is now commonly used as a given first name, as well as a surname. The name is an especially popular choice among parents in the United States, a testament to its lasting popularity.

Bob: Where does the name Bob come from?

The last name Bob is most commonly found in the United States, with the highest concentration in the midwestern and southern regions. The name is also widely used in other English-speaking countries, particularly the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In the US, the name Bob is ranked in the 1000 most popular names, with the highest usage recorded in the state of Mississippi.

Bob is a surname derived from the Old German name Robert, meaning bright fame. Variations include Bobb, Bobe, and Huffington. The name Bob is also frequently found as a shortened version of other family names, such as Robertson, Robinson, and Bobson.

The name Bob is also associated with a variety of nicknames, further adding to its popularity. Some of the more common nicknames include Bobby, Bobbie, and Bobo. Interestingly, the name Bob is also sometimes used as a given name, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries.

In conclusion, the surname Bob is a common name found throughout the world, with its highest concentrations in North America and Europe. Additionally, the name is often associated with a variety of nicknames.

Variations of the surname Bob

The most common variants, spellings and surnames of Bob are BOBE, BOBO, BOBBI, BOBBY, BOBEI, BOBOW, and BOBOWSKI. Other rare but related variants and spellings include BOBAN, BOBEK, BOBEN, BOBIC, BOBICK, BOBINE, BOBINA, BOBINK, BOBINKA, BOBINO, BOBOLA, BOBULA, BOBURKA, BOBOWSKY, BOBRIS, and BOBROWSKI.

The origin of Bob, and its variants, is thought to be derived from the personal name Robert or, in some cases, Rupert or Robin. The name Robert is likely derived from the Germanic elements "hrod", meaning "renown", and "boshert", meaning "bright". Other variants could have come from place names, job titles, or patronymics from common ancestor surnames.

Bob is an extremely common surname in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and parts of Europe. The name is often associated with the English language, but it can also be found throughout the rest of the world, including some Russian-speaking countries. Alternate spellings and variants may be more common depending on different region and language dialects.

Famous people with the name Bob

• Bob Woodward: renowned journalist well-known for his involvement in exposing the Watergate scandal.
• Bob Saget: American actor, comedian, television host, and director.
• Bob Dole: American statesman and the Republican Party’s nominee for President of the United States in 1996.
• Bob Barker: legendary game show host, best known for hosting The Price is Right and Truth or Consequences.
• Bob Costas: sportscaster and journalist for NBC Sports.
• Bob Newhart: American actor, stand-up comedian and writer.
• Bob Marley: Jamaican reggae singer and songwriter.
• Bob Dylan: American singer-songwriter, musician, and poet.
• Bob Bennett: American singer-songwriter and record producer.
• Bob Weinstein: co-founder of Miramax Films and creator of Dimension Films.
• Bob Hoskins: English actor, best known for his roles in films such as Who Framed Roger Rabbit and Mona Lisa.
• Bob Ross: world-renowned artist and television host, best known for his PBS show The Joy of Painting.
• Bob Weir: American singer, songwriter, and guitarist, and a founding member of the Grateful Dead.
• Bob Denver: American comedic actor best known for his role as Gilligan on the television sitcom, Gilligan’s Island.
• Bob Burnett: American singer-songwriter, musician, and radio host.

Other surnames

BobbBobbeBobbittBobeBöbeBoberBobierBoblatBobolaBöbs