Surname Kobe - Meaning and Origin
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Kobe: What does the surname Kobe mean?
Kobe is a surname originating from the Japanese language. It stems from an old Japanese word meaning "help or support," so the literal translation of Kobe can be interpreted as "one who supports" or "one who helps out."
In Japan, the name Kobe is sometimes found in combination with other kanji characters to form various compound words, including the well-known "Kobe beef." This type of beef, which is also sometimes referred to as "Kobe-style beef," is known for its intense flavor, marbling, and texture.
Kobe is also found as a surname used for Japanese locations, like the Kobe Stadium, and is used as a given name in some parts of Japan. Additionally, Kobe is used as a given name for people of other cultures, some of whom are named after the famous basketball player Kobe Bryant.
Kobe is an interesting surname that is often associated with strong support and respect. The character for “help” or “support” within the name indicates that those with this surname may be highly reliable and helpful people. The unique pronunciation of the name may also remind some of the deliciousness of Kobe beef, which has gained a reputation for its high quality and flavor.
Order DNA origin analysisKobe: Where does the name Kobe come from?
Kobe is a popular last name in Japan today. It is estimated that the name is currently held by over 130,000 Japanese citizens.
The name has a long history in Japan. In 1611, the powerful feudal lord Takenaka Hanbei adopted the last name Kobe, from the city of Kobe, to honor his ancestral hometown. The name has since spread across the country.
Outside of Japan, the name can occasionally be found in the European-derived family names of non-Japanese speaking countries. It is most prominent among people of Chinese, Korean, or Vietnamese descent. The name also appears in various anglicized forms, such as Coby, Koby, and Kobibe.
The surname has been immortalized both through sporting legendary Kobe Bryant’s fame and by businesses incorporating the last name Kobe into their branding. Staple Japanese examples include the Kobe beef brand as well as the Kobe Style restaurant chain.
In any case, the name is decidedly tied to a long and prominent lineage in Japan as well as contemporary association with the city of Kobe. Its modern day usage among Japanese nationals is widespread and continues to be an integral part of modern Japan.
Variations of the surname Kobe
The surname Kobe (also Kobé, Kobi, Köbi, Koby, Kobie, Kobi, Kobey, Köby) is of multiple origins. It is most commonly found among Jewish, German, and English-speaking communities.
The origin of the surname Kobe is uncertain but it is believed to have been derived from the Hebrew personal name Cohen, meaning “priest”. The name may also have been derived from the Bavarian Cobel, meaning “coverer”.
In Poland, the family name Kobe has been traced back to an 18th century religious leader named Mordechai Koby. The origin of the surname is also believed to be from Koblitz, a city in Germany, where the name became prominent sometime during the 12th century.
In the United States, the surname Kobe is often associated with African-Americans and is thought to have derived from the nickname “Coabi”, a combination of “Co” from Cohen and “bi” from the name of the African country, Benin.
In England, the surname Kobe can be traced back to the Middle Ages as a reference to a “maker of clybbe”, a glove-maker. The Kievich family is a notable branch of this English Kobe family.
The surnames Colby, Cobey, Kobbé and Kibble and their variations are believed to be related to Kobe, with Cobb and Kuby being slightly more distant relatives. Overall, Kobe is considered to be an uncommon family name, but has been recorded throughout Europe and the United States.
Famous people with the name Kobe
- Kobe Bryant: American basketball player and guard for Los Angeles Lakers and Olympic gold medalist who went straight from high school to the NBA Draft in 1996.
- Vanessa Bryant: Cheerleader and model who is married to Kobe Bryant.
- Kobe Paras: Actor, model, and basketball player from the Philippines who competed in the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Cup.
- Kobe Verzagt: Dutch actor who started his career on the TV show Odd One Out.
- Kobe Hoofd: Dutch athlete who specializes in the decathlon and hurdles.
- Kobe Zoon: Dutch distance runner who specializes in the marathon.
- Kobe Tolboom: Dutch football player who plays as a right midfielder.
- Kobe Mannekens: Belgian handball player who plays for the Plus League club Herve.
- Kobe Eggermont: Dutch model and Dutch Champion of the Pret A Porter catwalk in 2016.
- Kobe Driessen: Belgian professional road bicycle racer from the Lotto Soudal team.