rob

Rob is a masculine given name commonly used as a shortened form of Robert. The given name Robert derives from Germanic elements meaning “fame” or “glory” (often associated with the idea of bright or famous). Rob has developed into a stand-alone name in many English-speaking countries and remains widely used today. Variants and diminutives include Robbie and Robby.

Historically, Rob has been particularly prevalent in English-speaking regions since the Middle Ages, reflecting the long-standing popularity of the fuller name Robert. In modern times, it is frequently chosen for its concise, informal feel while still functioning as a formal given name in many contexts.

Notable people named Rob include Rob Lowe, an American actor known for films and television; Rob Reiner, an American actor, director, and producer; Rob Schneider, an American actor and comedian; Rob Kardashian, a television personality and businessman; Rob Dyrdek, an American professional skateboarder and reality TV figure; and Rob Thomas, the American musician and lead singer of Matchbox Twenty. These individuals span fields such as entertainment, sports, and music, reflecting the name’s broad usage.

In fiction, Rob Petrie is the central character of the Dick Van Dyke Show, a classic American television comedy. Rob Gordon is the protagonist of the novel High Fidelity, which was adapted into a film; the character is typically depicted as introspective and music‑minded. The name Rob is commonly used for various fictional characters, often conveying a straightforward, everyman persona.

See also: related forms include Robbie and Robby, and the longer root name Robert, from which Rob is derived.