Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kobi
UnisexHebrew· “Hebrew pet form of Jacob”
- Meaning
- Hebrew pet form of Jacob
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- KOH-bee
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,341
- US babies 2025
- 59
- Best rank
- #1,276 (2000)
- Peak year
- 2000
Meaning and origin of Kobi
Kobi is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “Hebrew pet form of Jacob”.
In Hebrew, Kobi serves as a pet form of Jacob, which comes from Yaakov, usually explained as holder of the heel or supplanter. In Israel, Kobi is a common nickname for Yaakov and is also used as a given name. It is used for both boys and girls in some places. Kobi is usually pronounced KOH-bee. The name has a friendly, energetic sound and a short, easy spelling. It connects to one of the most important patriarchs of the Hebrew Bible, Jacob, father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Popularity over time
Kobi first appears in US Social Security records in 1970. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,276 in 2000, the same year it reached its highest count of 102 babies. In 2025, 59 babies were named Kobi, and it ranked #2,341 nationally. That is 40% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #1,276 in 2000, #2,609 in 2010, and #2,341 in 2025. Of the 1,971 US boys named Kobi since records began, 32% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 502 babies. Since 2010, 971 more have been named Kobi.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Dru, Kobie, Shamari, Corrin, and Pacey.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kobi ranked highest in North Carolina, Georgia, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina | #1220 | 6 |
| Georgia | #1452 | 5 |
| California | #2653 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Kobi is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 40% of US babies named Kobi were girls and 60% were boys.
Kobi is usually pronounced KOH-bee, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-bi”.
Middle names for Kobi
A few middle names that flow with Kobi: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kobi
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Lists that include Kobi
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kobi mean?
Kobi is a Hebrew name that is usually said to mean “Hebrew pet form of Jacob”.
What is the origin of the name Kobi?
Kobi has Hebrew roots. In Hebrew, Kobi serves as a pet form of Jacob, which comes from Yaakov, usually explained as holder of the heel or supplanter.
Is Kobi a popular name?
Not especially. Kobi ranked #2,341 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kobi a boy or girl name?
Kobi is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 40% of US babies named Kobi were girls and 60% were boys.
How do you pronounce Kobi?
Kobi is usually pronounced KOH-bee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings