Bob

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Origin:English
Names Ending in BShort NamesEnglish NamesOne Syllable Names
Generate more names like BobCompare with other namesFind similar names
How to pronounce the name Bob
Pronunciation guide for Bob
ARPA
B AA1 B
IPA
bɑb

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Bob

Syllables (1)

B AA1 B

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

B
bee (b)
AA1
odd (ɑ)
B
bee (b)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

bɑb

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• This is a single-syllable name, pronounced in one smooth sound.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Bob

Structure

Character Count
3
Syllable Count
1
Vowel Ratio
33%
Name Family
bob

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty3/10

Easy to pronounce

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Bob
Unique character and personality of the name Bob

Name Personality

The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong

Key Characteristics

Length
Short

Concise and memorable

Rhythm
Monosyllabic

Simple and direct

Sound
Strong

Consonant-rich and crisp

Ease
Simple

Easy for most speakers

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
bob

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

b×2
o×1

Most frequent letters in Bob

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
1 syllable
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
3/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Bob compare to the average name?

Bob3/10 😊
3.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Bob is easier than average by 2.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Bob
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Bob (root: bob)

Current Name

Bob

Related Names (15)

Short variations:

Bobak
Boban
Bobb
Bobbe
Bobbi

Medium variations:

Boback
Bobbee
Bobbetta
Bobbette
Bobbey
Bobbi-jo

Long variations:

Bobbi-anne
Bobbi-don
Bobbi-jane
Bobbi-lee

Bob belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.

What does the name Bob mean?
The meaning and origin of Bob
English

noun 1. a former monetary unit in Great Britain

English

noun 2. a hair style for women and children; a short haircut all around

English

noun 3. a long racing sled (for 2 or more people) with a steering mechanism

English

noun 4. a hanging weight, especially a metal ball on a string

English

noun 5. a small float usually made of cork; attached to a fishing line

English

noun 6. a short or shortened tail of certain animals

English

noun 7. a short abrupt inclination (as of the head); 'he gave me a short bob of acknowledgement'

English

verb 1. move up and down repeatedly; 'her rucksack bobbed gently on her back'

English

verb 2. ride a bobsled; 'The boys bobbed down the hill screaming with pleasure'

English

verb 3. remove or shorten the tail of an animal

Historical Reference

verb 4. make a curtsy; usually done only by girls and women; as a sign of respect; 'She curtsied when she shook the Queen's hand'

English

verb 5. cut hair in the style of a bob; 'Bernice bobs her hair these days!'

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Bob's meanings

Primary Theme

✨
Aspirational

Conveys strength, nobility, or divine favor

Theme Distribution

Aspirational
2

Key Themes

great
queen's\n
god
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Bob

Life Path Number

1
The Leader

Natural leaders who forge their own path with determination and courage.

Independent
Ambitious
Pioneering
Confident

Most Common Letters

b×2
o×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
1(33%)
Consonants
2(67%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

b2
o6
b2

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Bob
Famous individuals named Bob
👤

Bob Franks

American politician (1951-2010)

Born: 1951

👤

Bob Carroll

American actor (1918-1994)

Born: 1918

👤

Bob Cleary

American ice hockey player (1936–2015)

Born: 1936

👤

Bob Carter

American bassist (1922–1993)

Born: 1922

👤

Bob Cunningham

American jazz bassist (1934-2017)

Born: 1934

How popular is the name Bob?
Popularity rankings for Bob around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Netherlandsboy#2592019-2019
United Statesboy#9371983-1983
Country Comparison
How Bob ranks across different countries

Showing top 2 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

Parents who like Bob also like these names
Names similar to Bob in style, sound, and origin
BobBobackBobakBobanBobbBobbeBobbeeBobbettaBobbetteBobbeyBobbiBobbi-anneBobbi-donBobbi-janeBobbi-joBobbi-leeBobbi-leighBobbi-maeBobbi-roseBobbieBobbie-jadeBobbie-joBobbie-joeBobbie-leeBobbie-leighBobbie-maeBobbiejeanBobbiejoBobbieleeBobbiesue
What words rhyme with the name Bob?
Rhyming words for Bob
baab
blob
bobb
cob
cobb
dob
dobb
glaab
glob
gob
grob
haab
hob
job
kebab
knob
knobbe
krob
lob
lobb

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Bob?
IPA: /bɑb/ ARPA: B AA1 B This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Bob?
Bob has 1 syllable.
Is Bob easy to pronounce?
Bob is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Bob easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Bob is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Bob?
There are 100 notable people named Bob. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Bob?
Names similar to Bob include: Boback, Bobak, Boban, Bobb, Bobbe. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Bob a good baby name?
Bob makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Bob a boy or girl name?
Bob can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Bob?
The name is spelled B-o-b. Common spelling variations include: Boback, Bobak, Boban.
What does the name Bob mean?
The name Bob has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "bob n 1: a former monetary unit in Great Britain [syn: {British shilling}, {shilling}, {bob}] 2: a hair style for women and children; a short haircut all around 3: a long racing sled (for 2 or more people) with a steering mechanism [syn: {bobsled}, {bobsleigh}, {bob}] 4: a hanging weight, especially a metal ball on a string 5: a small float usually made of cork; attached to a fishing line [syn: {bob}, {bobber}, {cork}, {bobfloat}] 6: a short or shortened tail of certain animals [syn: {bobtail}, {bob}, {dock}] 7: a short abrupt inclination (as of the head); "he gave me a short bob of acknowledgement" v 1: move up and down repeatedly; "her rucksack bobbed gently on her back" 2: ride a bobsled; "The boys bobbed down the hill screaming with pleasure" [syn: {bobsled}, {bob}] 3: remove or shorten the tail of an animal [syn: {dock}, {tail}, {bob}] 4: make a curtsy; usually done only by girls and women; as a sign of respect; "She curtsied when she shook the Queen's hand" [syn: {curtsy}, {bob}] 5: cut hair in the style of a bob; "Bernice bobs her hair these days" and "bob almighty, bean, broad bean, deity, god". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Bob?
Middle names that pair well with Bob include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Bob?
Sibling names that pair well with Bob include: Boback, Bobak, Boban, Bobb. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Bob?
Yes, Bob is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Bob from?
Bob has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
Is Bob suitable for a professional career?
Bob is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Bob a long or short name?
Bob is a very short name with 3 letters (1 syllable). Short names are easy to spell, pronounce, and remember. They work well for children who are learning to write their names.
What are common misspellings of Bob?
Common spelling variations of Bob include: Bobak, Boban, Bobb. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Bob and Boback?
Bob and Boback are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Bob is spelled Bob while Boback is spelled Boback. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.