Kobe Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kobe has Japanese origins, meaning 'the door of gods.' It evolved from the Japanese Kōbe and became popular globally due to Kobe Bryant's influence. The name embodies traits of excellence and strength and has no biblical relevance.
The name Kobe is most popular in Nevada, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kobe has been too rising for male in MidWest, too falling for male in Northeast, too rising for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kobe' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 6130th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 357th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 429th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 7915th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4673rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kobe' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kobe"
Pronunciation
/ˈkoʊbi/
Origin
Japanese
Etymology
The name Kobe is derived from the Japanese word '神戸' (Kōbe), which means 'the door of gods.' It is also associated with the city of Kobe in Japan.
Meaning
The door of gods
Language Evolution
Kōbe (Japanese), Kobe (Romanized)
Historical Usage
The name gained international popularity in the late 20th century, particularly due to the fame of basketball player Kobe Bryant.
Variants & Derivatives
Koby, Kobe, Kobey
Modern Popularity & Image
Kobe is perceived positively, often associated with excellence and athleticism, particularly in sports and entertainment.
Famous People
Kobe Bryant, Kobe B. Johnson
Explore More Kobe Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kobe"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kobe"
"Kobe" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 6130th of 16616 | 101 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 357th of 24088 | 13,156 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 429th of 23106 | 8,666 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 7915th of 35406 | 223 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4673rd of 30306 | 351 |
Regional Popularity of "Kobe" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
63.49% 2841st/4475 |
46.52% 2416th/5194 |
60.06% 3794th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
7.49% 343rd/4582 |
9.39% 485th/5164 |
4.49% 328th/7313 |
4.77% 356th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
10.37% 413th/3984 |
11.54% 518th/4487 |
5.56% 379th/6822 |
8.21% 515th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Kobe" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
92.47% 6901st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
70.74% 4826th/6822 |
72.23% 4533rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kobe"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kobe" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.