Kobe

Meaning of Kobe

Kobe is often associated with the Swahili word for "tortoise." It can also be a short form of Jacob.

Kobe has African roots — browse every African baby name in our catalog.

Popularity of Kobe

Kobe has cooled off, slipping to #519 in 2025, down from a peak of #222 in 2001.

Notable people named Kobe

• Kobe Bryant
  Basketball superstar
• Kobe Paras
  Filipino basketball player
• Kobe Nuñez-Stump
  American soccer player
• Kobe Webster
  American basketball player
• Kobe Prentice
  American football player

More African names

Questions about the name Kobe

What does the name Kobe mean?

Kobe means kobe is often associated with the swahili word for "tortoise." it can also be a short form of jacob, and it comes from African origins.

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

Kobe is most commonly used as a boy's name in the United States.

How popular is the name Kobe?

In 2025, Kobe ranked #519 for boys, down from #408 the year before.

When was Kobe most popular?

Kobe peaked at #222 in 2001.