Bright fame; son of Robert
Hobbes is an English surname-turned-given-name derived from 'Hobb', a medieval diminutive of Robert. It ultimately traces back to the Germanic name Hrodebert, meaning 'bright fame'. While historically rare as a first name, it is most famously associated with the philosopher Thomas Hobbes and the beloved comic strip character.
About 5 boys were named Hobbes in 2025.
US births per 5-year period, 1990–present (SSA data).
Influential 17th-century English philosopher
A philosophical stuffed tiger who comes to life · Calvin and Hobbes
