Is Kobi a boy's or girl's name?

Kobi is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 1,105 recorded births.

When was Kobi most popular?

Kobi reached its peak popularity in 2000 with 102 births that year. It is currently ranked #1677 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Kobi?

Kobi is currently ranked #1677 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 1,911 babies since 1970.

Kobi

An uncommon Hebrew pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsHebrewRising fast Also a pet name

#1677▲ 134in 2024

Meaning & Origin

inflection of kob: definite nominative singular indefinite dative/ablative singular

Kobi is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, a short form of Yaakov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'held by the heel,' referring to the biblical story of Jacob grasping his twin Esau's heel at birth. Kobi is used in Israel as a familiar nickname for Yaakov.

In recent years, Kobi gained wider attention in tribute to basketball legend Kobe Bryant (often spelled differently). About 1,910 U.S. births are recorded. It's a name that's strong, short, and full of history.

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Popularity Over Time

Kobi climbed 1142 spots in the last 20 years — from #2819 to #1677.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Kobi
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	442	#1808	—
2010s	469	#2699	▼
2000s	637	#2125	▲
1990s	290	#3745	▲
1980s	25	#5572	▼
1970s	48	#4760	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(45 years, 1970–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Kobi
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	100	#1677	+11 (12.4%)
2023	89	#1811	+13 (17.1%)
2022	76	#2009	-13 (-14.6%)
2021	89	#1787	+1 (1.1%)
2020	88	#1754	+24 (37.5%)
2019	64	#2199	+2 (3.2%)
2018	62	#2221	+10 (19.2%)
2017	52	#2471	+7 (15.6%)
2016	45	#2705	+3 (7.1%)
2015	42	#2835	-4 (-8.7%)
2014	46	#2646	+13 (39.4%)
2013	33	#3303	-1 (-2.9%)
2012	34	#3274	-10 (-22.7%)
2011	44	#2723	-3 (-6.4%)
2010	47	#2609	-10 (-17.5%)
2009	57	#2309	-6 (-9.5%)
2008	63	#2153	+13 (26.0%)
2007	50	#2524	+7 (16.3%)
2006	43	#2721	+4 (10.3%)
2005	39	#2784	+2 (5.4%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Kobi as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Kobi has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 1,105 births since 1958.

#2638

Current rank

1,105

Total births

2021

Peak year

Compare Kobi as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Kobi be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Kobi is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1677. As a girl's name, it ranks #2638.

Kobi has two lives

Kobi, the baby name

#1677boys

1,911 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1970–2024) · Methodology