bob

Bob is a masculine given name, most commonly a diminutive form of Robert. The given name Robert derives from the Germanic elements hrod, “fame,” and beraht, “bright,” transmitted to Old High German as Hrodebert and to Old French as Robert. The shortened form Bob emerged in English-speaking regions and has since been used as a standalone given name in its own right.

Usage and variations: Bob is strongly associated with English-speaking countries. It frequently began as a nickname for Robert but is widely accepted as an independent name. Variants include Rob, Robbie, and Bobby; in some cases the name is used as Bob without a longer form. Popularity has fluctuated, with mid-20th-century peaks in several Western countries and a gradual shift toward the full form Robert or other names in recent decades.

Cultural notes and notable people: The name appears in folklore and popular culture. The phrase “Bob’s your uncle” is a British idiom indicating an effortless result. Notable people named Bob include musician Bob Dylan; musician and activist Bob Geldof; reggae artist Bob Marley; painter and television host Bob Ross; comedian Bob Newhart; and actor Bob Odenkirk. In fiction, characters named Bob include Bob Parr (Mr. Incredible) in The Incredibles and Bob the Builder from the children’s series.