bobby

Bobby is a masculine given name, commonly a diminutive of Robert. The name Robert derives from the Germanic names Hrōþ or Hroþ meaning fame and berht meaning bright, collectively “fame-bright.” In English-speaking countries, Bobby is widely used as an informal form of Robert and sometimes stands as a given name in its own right. It has produced various diminutive forms such as Rob, Robby, Robbie, and Bob.

In different contexts, “Bobby” has additional meanings. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, “bobby” is also an informal term for a police officer, originating from Sir Robert Peel’s bobbies. The name remains common in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, and has been used across popular culture, including films, music, and literature.

Notable people named Bobby include Bobby Fischer (American chess grandmaster), Bobby Orr (Canadian ice hockey player), Bobby Kennedy (Robert F. Kennedy, American politician often called “Bobby”), and Bobby Brown (American singer and former member of New Edition). The name has also been used for fictional characters and entertainers, reflecting its long-standing presence in Western naming traditions.