Name meaning & stats
Bob
Bob (English origin). 51,646 US babies since 1940, peak 1959. Notable Bobs are 2.7× over-represented as ice hockey players.
What it means
No agreed meaning on record
English
A short form of Robert.
In US birth records
Peak year: 1959
51,646 US babies were named Bob between 1940 and 2025. Bob is often a nickname, so many people called Bob are registered under a longer name.
Where Bobs end up
| Career | vs expected | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Politician | 1.8× | High · 252 people |
| NFL-style footballer | 1.7× | High · 203 people |
| Ice hockey player | 2.7× | High · 139 people |
| Baseball player | 2.0× | High · 114 people |
Among notable men who are ice hockey players, Bobs show up 2.7× as often as you'd expect from how common the name is.
Notable people born 1940–2005 in the US, UK, Canada and Australia (Wikidata). Patterns, not destiny.
One more thing…
Bob has a surprise career: 1.6×
Name twins (peaked around 1959)