Job
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 3,350 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
A book of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Tanakh.
Job is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin meaning 'persecuted' or 'afflicted,' possibly from the Hebrew root ayab ('to be hostile to'). The biblical Job is one of literature's most profound figures — a man of complete righteousness who maintained his faith through extraordinary suffering.
As a name, Job carries the weight of resilience and unwavering integrity. Parents with deep biblical convictions choose it for its extraordinary moral depth.
EtymologyShow more
Job is cataloged under the Hebrew naming tradition. Hebrew names often carry theological significance — many embed references to God, virtues, or blessings within their structure.
In the U.S., Job has been recorded as a boy's name since 1891, with 3,350 total births. Browse the Hebrew names hub on this site to explore the broader family.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Job was #1510 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #2318, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 280 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 703 | — |
| 2000s | 759 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 614 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 340 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 278 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 114 | ▲ |
| 1950s | 81 | ▲ |
| 1940s | 38 | ▼ |
| 1930s | 49 | ▲ |
| 1920s | 46 | ▲ |
| 1910s | 42 | ▲ |
| 1890s | 6 | — |
The Story of Job
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2004, Job is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Job are most likely born between 1994 and 2014.
How rare is Job?
Only about 1 in every 59,016 babies born in 2024 was named Job — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1891, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2000s with 759 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Job by the numbers
- Would fill 70 school buses
- Meeting one Job per day would take 9.2 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(98 years, 1891–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 61 | #2318 |
| 2023 | 42 | #2972 |
| 2022 | 67 | #2178 |
| 2021 | 58 | #2357 |
| 2020 | 52 | #2483 |
| 2019 | 59 | #2322 |
| 2018 | 61 | #2246 |
| 2017 | 59 | #2257 |
| 2016 | 81 | #1852 |
| 2015 | 87 | #1759 |
| 2014 | 82 | #1820 |
| 2013 | 71 | #1949 |
| 2012 | 66 | #2081 |
| 2011 | 72 | #1938 |
| 2010 | 65 | #2082 |
| 2009 | 61 | #2193 |
| 2008 | 71 | #1994 |
| 2007 | 72 | #1964 |
| 2006 | 77 | #1799 |
| 2005 | 77 | #1731 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Job a boy's or girl's name?
When was Job most popular?
How popular is the name Job?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1891–2024