Hobbes \ho(b)-bes\ as a boy's name is of Old English origin. Variant of Robert (Old English, Old German) "bright fame". Thomas Hobbes was a 17th-century English philosopher. The popular cartoon stuffed tiger created by Bill Watterson was named after him. Hobbes has 2 variant forms: Hob and Hobbs. View a list of the 2 names that reference Hobbes.