Rising since 1985, #2,332 for boys today.
Popularity of Kobi since 1958
Babies named Kobi per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2000, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kobi's real moment was 2024.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 6 | 0 |
| 1960s | 23 | 0 |
| 1970s | 65 | 48 |
| 1980s | 50 | 25 |
| 1990s | 98 | 290 |
| 2000s | 209 | 637 |
| 2010s | 268 | 469 |
| 2020s | 428 | 502 |
Meaning & origin
Kobi is a modern unisex name that has gained steady traction since the mid-1980s. First recorded in 1970, it rose from obscurity to a rank of 2,332 in 2024, the year it reached its peak popularity. Its trajectory has been consistently rising since 1985, reflecting growing appeal among parents seeking a concise, internationally adaptable name. The name is most common in North Carolina, Georgia, and California, suggesting a broad geographic spread. While its meaning remains uncertain, it likely draws from the Hebrew Jacob tradition or from modern coinage influenced by names like Kobe. Kobi's clean sound and cross-gender usage contribute to its enduring if niche appeal.
Kobi is most likely a variant of Jacob, via its Hebrew form Ya'akov, meaning 'supplanter' or 'he who follows.' In modern times, it has also been adopted as a stand-alone given name, possibly influenced by similar-sounding names like Kobe or Koby. The name has seen limited but consistent use as a unisex option since the late 20th century.
Where Kobi is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kobi” around the world
Where Kobi lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Kobi
Names that share Kobi's style, for a brother or sister.
