Find out how popular the first name Job has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Job by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 42 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Job.

The history of the first name Job

The name Job is believed to have originated from the Hebrew word "iyov," which means "persecuted" or "afflicted one." Its roots can be traced back to ancient Semitic cultures, and the name appears in various ancient texts and religious scriptures.

The Book of Job in the Hebrew Bible is one of the earliest known references to the name. It tells the story of a righteous man named Job who endures immense suffering and tests of his faith. The book is believed to have been written between the 7th and 4th centuries BCE, highlighting the antiquity of the name.

In the New Testament, the name Job is mentioned in the Epistle of James, which draws parallels between Job's perseverance and the trials faced by early Christian believers. This further solidified the name's association with endurance and faith in the face of adversity.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Job was Job ben Nun, a biblical figure who lived during the time of Moses and was one of the twelve spies sent to explore the land of Canaan. He is celebrated for his unwavering faith and courage.

Throughout history, the name Job has been borne by various notable individuals, including Job of Prokopion (4th century CE), a Christian martyr and saint; Job of Manyava (14th century), a Russian monk and saint; Job Ludolf (1624-1704), a German scholar and orientalist; Job Barter (1650-1705), an English clergyman and writer; and Job Harriman (1789-1865), an American businessman and politician.

The name Job has been interpreted as a symbol of patience, perseverance, and unwavering faith in the face of adversity. Its biblical and religious connotations have contributed to its enduring popularity across various cultures and time periods, making it a name with a rich historical and cultural 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 Job was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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