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

Popularity of Joby by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Joby is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 98% of people named Joby being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Joby.

The history of the first name Joby

The given name Joby is believed to have its origins in the Hebrew language, derived from the biblical name Job. The name Job is thought to come from the Hebrew word "iyyov," which means "persecuted" or "afflicted one."

The Book of Job, one of the oldest texts in the Hebrew Bible, centers around the story of a man named Job who endures immense suffering and hardship, yet remains steadfast in his faith. This biblical figure's name likely contributed to the development of the variant spelling "Joby."

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Joby can be found in the 16th century. In 1592, a man named Joby Talmash was recorded as a resident of Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of the renowned English playwright William Shakespeare.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Joby. In the 18th century, Joby Parsons (1708-1770) was a prominent English clockmaker and inventor known for his contributions to the development of marine chronometers.

In the world of literature, Joby Bennet (1876-1942) was an American writer and journalist who authored several novels and short stories during the early 20th century.

Moving into the 20th century, Joby Talbot (born 1971) is a contemporary British composer who has written works for various ensembles, including the Royal Opera House and the Chicago Symphony Orchestra.

Another notable figure is Joby Burgess (born 1980), a British powerlifter and strongman competitor who has won numerous national and international competitions in his field.

While the name Joby may not be as common as some other given names, it has a rich history spanning centuries, with its roots in the ancient Hebrew culture and biblical texts, as well as a diverse range of individuals who have carried this name throughout various eras and professions.

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 Joby was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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