Bobbie is a unisex given name of Scottish origin. It is a diminutive form of Robert, which means "bright fame" or "famous". The name has been popular among both boys and girls for many years, particularly in Scotland.
The name Bobbie first became popular in the late 19th century when it was used as a nickname for both male and female children. It was often used as a pet name by parents who wanted to give their child a more familiar and affectionate name than Robert or Roberta.
In literature, the name Bobbie has been associated with several notable characters. In the novel "Rebecca of Sunnybrook Farm" by Kate Douglas Wiggin, the main character is nicknamed Bobbie by her family and friends. The name was also used for the protagonist in the children's book series "The Bobbsey Twins" by Stratemeyer Syndicate.
Despite its long history, the name Bobbie remains popular today. According to data from the Social Security Administration, it has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names given to babies born in the United States each year since the mid-20th century.
Overall, Bobbie is a unique and versatile name with Scottish origins that has been beloved by parents for generations. Its meaning, "bright fame," makes it an appealing choice for those looking for a name that carries positive connotations.
The name Bobbie has a fascinating history of popularity and fluctuations over the years in the United States. Between 1889 and 2023, there have been a total of 18,416 births with the name Bobbie.
In the late 19th to early 20th century, the name's popularity was quite low, with only a handful of births per year between 1889 and 1907. However, starting in 1908, we began to see a significant increase in its usage. The number of Bobbie births jumped from 5 in 1908 to an impressive 239 in 1924.
The years between 1925 and 1931 marked the peak popularity of the name Bobbie, with over 600 births each year. In fact, 751 babies were named Bobbie in 1926 alone, which was the highest number recorded for this period.
After reaching its zenith, the popularity of the name Bobbie began to decline steadily. Between 1932 and 1946, there was a noticeable decrease in its usage, with fewer than 700 births per year on average.
The latter half of the 20th century saw further fluctuations in the popularity of the name Bobbie. Although it never regained the heights of the 1920s and 1930s, there were still periods where it enjoyed modest popularity. For instance, between 1950 and 1962, around 150-200 babies were named Bobbie each year.
In recent years, the name Bobbie has been quite rare, with fewer than 50 births per year on average since the turn of the century. Despite its waning popularity, it's clear that the name Bobbie has left an indelible mark on American naming history, with thousands of individuals bearing this unique moniker over the years.
It's important to note that while these statistics provide valuable insights into the changing trends and popularity of the name Bobbie in the United States, they do not reflect its meaning or origin. The name Bobbie has a rich history that transcends its statistical data, and its true value lies in the unique identity it bestows upon those who bear it.
Sources:
- Social Security Administration (SSA) baby name databases
- U.S. Census Bureau