Bobbi is a name of Italian origin, derived from the masculine given name Roberto. It is also a short form of the feminine name Roberta, which itself is a female variant of the male name Robert.
The name Bobbi has a long and rich history, dating back to medieval times in Europe. The name Robert originally comes from Germanic roots, with "Hrodebert" being its earliest recorded form. This name was composed of two elements: "hrod" meaning fame or glory, and "berht" meaning bright or famous.
Over time, the name evolved into its modern forms such as Robert, Roberta, and Bobbi. It became quite popular during the Middle Ages in England and France, with notable figures like Robert the Bruce, King of Scots, and Robert II of Scotland bearing the name.
In the United States, Bobbi gained prominence in the mid-20th century, particularly among Italian-American families who embraced the shorter, more informal form of Roberta. Today, it is still a widely recognized name, often used for both boys and girls due to its gender-neutral nature.
Despite its historical roots, Bobbi remains a unique and modern-sounding name choice for parents looking for something distinct yet approachable. Its meaning – fame or glory combined with brightness – makes it an appealing option for those seeking a meaningful moniker with Italian heritage.
Statistics on the name Bobbi in the United States show a varying trend over time. Between 1971 and 1987, there were a total of 64 babies born with this name. The peak years for births with the name Bobbi were 1979 with 8 births and 1973 and 1978 both with 6 births each. However, it appears that popularity started to decline after these years as there were only 6 births in 1981 and none recorded from 1982 until 1986. There was a small resurgence in 1987 with another 6 births. Despite the fluctuations, the name Bobbi has been given to at least one child every year between 1971 and 1987, demonstrating its enduring appeal during this period.