Declining since 1985, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Robby since 1922
Babies named Robby per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1920s | 50 |
| 1930s | 130 |
| 1940s | 291 |
| 1950s | 1,130 |
| 1960s | 3,313 |
| 1970s | 2,471 |
| 1980s | 1,642 |
| 1990s | 724 |
| 2000s | 394 |
| 2010s | 282 |
| 2020s | 138 |
Meaning & origin
Robby is a short form of Robert that became an independent given name in the early 20th century. First recorded in U.S. births in 1922, the name reached its peak popularity in 1969, a time when many diminutives (Tommy, Jimmy, Johnny) were common. Since 1985, its usage has steadily declined, reflecting a broader shift away from nickname-based given names. The name remains in regular but modest use: in 2025, approximately 1 in 77,640 male newborns were named Robby. While it did not appear among the top states, its usage is spread across the country, with no strong regional concentration.
Robby is a diminutive of Robert, derived from the Germanic elements hrod 'fame' and beraht 'bright'. It emerged as an independent given name in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where it saw increased use from the mid-20th century.
Where Robby is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Robby” around the world
Where Robby lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Rob
Variants: Robbie
Sibling names for Robby
Names that share Robby's style, for a brother or sister.
