Kobi

Kobi is a masculine given name, commonly used as a diminutive of Ya’akov (Jacob) in Hebrew. The name has biblical origins, with Ya’akov meaning “he who follows,” or more often interpreted in modern contexts as “supplanter.” In Hebrew-speaking communities, Kobi (and its variants) is widely used as a standalone given name or as a familiar form of Ya’akov. Variants and transliterations include Koby and Kobe.

The spelling and usage of Kobi vary by region, language, and personal preference. In English-language contexts, the name may be written as Kobi, Koby, or Kobe, with Kobe often popularized by unrelated naming conventions and public figures unrelated to the Hebrew origin. The name is predominantly associated with males, though naming practices can differ.

Notable usage of the name occurs in Israeli and Jewish communities, where public figures in music, sports, and politics may bear the name. As with many given names, Kobi appears in fiction and media as well, reflecting its cultural roots and adoption beyond Hebrew-speaking audiences.

Other uses of the uppercase form KOBI include organizational or branding acronyms and a television station call sign in the United States. KOBI-TV is an NBC-affiliated station licensed to Medford, Oregon. The acronym form KOBI can appear in various institutional or commercial contexts, independent of the given-name usage.

See also: Kobe, Koby, Yaakov.