Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Job
BoyHebrew· “uncertain, often said persecuted”
- Meaning
- uncertain, often said persecuted (origin disputed)
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- JOHB
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #2,659
- US babies 2025
- 49
- Best rank
- #908 (1891)
- Peak year
- 2004
Meaning and origin of Job
Job is often said to mean “uncertain, often said persecuted”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
Job is the name of the central figure in the biblical Book of Job, a righteous man whose faith is tested through severe suffering. The meaning of the Hebrew name, Iyov, is uncertain. It is often said to mean persecuted or hated, or linked to a word for where is the father, but scholars do not agree on its origin. The name has long been used in Jewish and Christian families and was adopted by Puritans. It is said JOHB, rhyming with robe, not like the word job. In Spanish it is Job and in Arabic Ayyub. For many, the phrase the patience of Job makes it a byword for endurance.
Popularity over time
Job first appears in US Social Security records in 1891. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years, starting in 1891. Its best national rank was #908 in 1891, and the most babies received it in 2004, when 89 were named Job. In 2025, 49 babies were named Job, and it ranked #2,659 nationally. That is 44% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #3,352 in 1920, #2,899 in 1950, #1,786 in 1980, #1,424 in 2000, #2,082 in 2010, and #2,659 in 2025. Of the 3,399 US boys named Job since records began, 22% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 703 babies. Since 2010, 1,032 more have been named Job.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Raj, Logen, Tashawn, Leobardo, and Isacc.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Job ranked highest in New York.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| New York | #1890 | 5 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Job is usually pronounced JOHB, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with J and ends in “-ob”.
Middle names for Job
A few middle names that flow with Job: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Job
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Lists that include Job
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Job mean?
Job is often said to mean “uncertain, often said persecuted”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to Hebrew roots.
What is the origin of the name Job?
Job has Hebrew roots. Job is the name of the central figure in the biblical Book of Job, a righteous man whose faith is tested through severe suffering.
Is Job a popular name?
Not especially. Job ranked #2,659 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Job a boy or girl name?
Job is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Job?
Job is usually pronounced JOHB. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings