Find out how popular the first name Joab has been for the last 50 years (from 1975 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Joab by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Joab is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 45 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Joab.

The history of the first name Joab

The name Joab originated from the Hebrew language and culture, with its roots tracing back to ancient biblical times. It is derived from the Hebrew word "yo'av," which means "Yahweh is father" or "fathered by Yahweh."

One of the earliest and most prominent references to the name Joab can be found in the Old Testament of the Bible. Joab was a prominent figure in the life of King David, serving as the commander of David's army. He played a crucial role in several significant events, including the conquest of Jerusalem and the civil war between David's forces and those of Ishbosheth.

In the historical records, Joab is depicted as a skilled and ruthless military leader, often acting on his own accord and even disobeying the king's orders at times. His actions were sometimes controversial, such as his involvement in the murder of Abner and the execution of Absalom, David's son.

Beyond the biblical accounts, the name Joab has been present throughout various eras and cultures. One notable figure was Joab Cohen, a 16th-century Jewish scholar and philosopher from Smyrna (modern-day Izmir, Turkey). He was renowned for his contributions to the study of the Kabbalah and his writings on Jewish mysticism.

Another historical figure bearing the name Joab was Joab Bampton, an English clergyman and scholar who lived in the late 17th century and early 18th century. He was known for his philanthropic works and for founding the Bampton Lectures, a series of annual sermons at the University of Oxford.

In the 19th century, Joab Spencer was an American educator and Baptist minister. He played a significant role in the establishment of several educational institutions, including the Collegiate Institute in Woodstock, Vermont, and the Columbian College (now George Washington University) in Washington, D.C.

Another notable bearer of the name was Joab Gilkey, an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from North Carolina in the late 19th century.

While the name Joab has its roots in Hebrew and biblical origins, it has transcended cultural and religious boundaries, appearing in various contexts throughout history, reflecting its enduring presence and significance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Joab was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Joab, please contact us.

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