Kobe's origin is African-Swahili, and its use, English and Japanese. It is derived literally from the word kobe which is of the meaning 'tortoise'. Kobe is used chiefly in the Japanese language and its origin is also Japanese.Its meaning is from the element 'kobe'. The first name is derived from the name of the city of Kobe in Japan, noted for its quality Kobe beef.The name is well-known from the basketball player Kobe Bryant (1978-), whose name was inspired by the culinary dish.t is derived literally from the word kobe which is of the meaning 'tortoise'. Kobe is used chiefly in the Japanese language and its origin is also Japanese. Its meaning is from the element 'kobe'.