Kobi

Kobi is a short form of Yaakov, the Hebrew name familiar in English as Jacob. The biblical story connects Jacob's name with his grasping his twin brother's heel, which lies behind familiar explanations involving a heel or a supplanter. Kobi inherits that name-family connection while sounding much more compact and informal.

The spelling Koby is a close comparison, and the name can stand independently rather than requiring a longer form on official documents. A family honoring a Jacob or Yaakov may appreciate how much of the original sound has changed while the relationship remains. The similar name Kobe has other origins, so its associations should be considered separately. Kobi's Hebrew background supplies a clear reason for choosing these particular letters beyond their modern sound.