Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kobe

The name Kobe comes from a city in Japan notable for the origin of Kobe beef. Currently the fifth largest city n Japan and situated on the southern point of the island, the founding dates back to the building of the Ikuta Shrine by Empress Jingū in AD 201 making it one of the oldest shrines in the country. The city which was eventually built up around it (Kobe) comes from the Japanese "kanbe" (神戸) which was an ancient title for supporters of the Shinto shrine. Kobe is also said to consist of two kanji "Ko" (meaning ‘god’) and "Be" (meaning ‘door’) which may also fit since the city of Kobe was built around a shrime which opened the doors to Japanese gods. The usage of Kobe as a masculine given name in the United States is all thanks to two individuals: Joe “Jellybean” and Pamela Bryant, the parents of basketball star Kobe Bryant, who named their son after Kobe beef they saw on a restaurant menu. However, it was Kobe’s talent as a basketball player that made him a household name and brought the name Kobe to prominence.

All About the Baby Name – Kobe

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME KOBE

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME KOBE

Kobe first appeared on the U.S. male naming charts in 1997. Kobe Bryant was only 17 when he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 and was immediately thrust into the public eye. In 1997 he was the youngest player ever to win the Slam Dunk contest during All-Star weekend. Not surprisingly, the name Kobe debuted on the naming charts at an impressive position of #553 (this is pretty high for a first-time name). Immediately the name ascended up the charts. Within five years, Kobe was the 222nd most popular boy’s name in America. On a relative basis, that’s pretty amazing. People were clearly responding to this superstar kid on the courts and honoring his good looks and basketball skill by naming their sons after him. Not surprisingly, the name did show substantial backwards momentum subsequent to the scandalous rape accusation made by a woman in Colorado in the summer of 2003 and the media circus that was soon to follow. Now the name Kobe has settled on lower-moderate usage. Still, it’s always interesting when one person has the power to single-handedly influence a name’s usage in the United States. Don’t underestimate the power of pop-culture influences on American society. Nevertheless, we have to agree that Kobe is a distinctive and cool sounding name. Naming your child after a superstar, however, is not so unique.

Quick Facts

ON KOBE

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

American

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

494

PRONUNCIATION:

KOE-bee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Supporters of the Ikuta Shrine; God’s door

Characteristics

OF KOBE

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kobe

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KOBE

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kobe

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KOBE

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kobe


Popular Songs

ON KOBE

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kobe


Famous People

NAMED KOBE

Kobe Bryant (basketball player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED KOBE

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Kobe

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KOBE

Kobe Bean Bryant is a pro basketball player who plays shooting guard for the Los Angeles Lakers. Bryant was an early stand-out player and already recognized for his talent by high school (considered a one of the best high school players in the nation). As a result, Kobe bypassed college and went straight into the NBA drafted as the 13th overall pick in 1996 by the Charlotte Hornets then traded to the Lakers. As a rookie, Kobe immediately became a fan favorite. He was young (barely 18), confident, good-looking and a high-flying slam dunker. Bryant quickly demonstrated his leadership during the seasons 2000-2002 when he and Shaq led the team to three consecutive NBA Championship titles. He then went onto lead the NBA in scoring during the 2005/06 and 2006/07 seasons, and at one point in 2006 scored an 81-point game (his career high). Only Wilt Chamberlain has him beat with his 1962 100-point game. He is also the all-time leading scorer in Lakers franchise history. In other words, Kobe Bryant has a mutual admiration society going on with that hoop and basket. He has too many records and accolades in the game of basketball to even recite herein. Suffice it to say that Kobe Bryant will end up in the Basketball Hall of Fame. His personal reputation took a huge beating after being accused of rape, a charge dropped when his accuser refused to testify. A civil suit was later settled out of court.