Jocob
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 341 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
When Jocob hit its peak of 20 births in 1987, American naming was shifting away from mid-century classics toward more individualistic, expressive choices.
Today, Jocob reads as a name tied to a specific era — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Jocob is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Jocob is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a phonetic variant spelling of Jacob, from the Hebrew Yaakov meaning 'supplanter' or 'held by the heel' — one of the Hebrew Bible's most complex and beloved patriarchs, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Jocob offers an unusual spelling variant of the classic Jacob, creating visual distinction while sounding nearly identical. It carries the same extraordinary biblical heritage — Jacob who wrestled with an angel, who dreamed of a ladder reaching heaven, who transformed into Israel — in a form that stands apart on the page.
EtymologyShow more
Jocob is built from 5 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Hebrew naming tradition, this brevity is common among names that have been worn down through centuries of use, shedding syllables along the way.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Jocob creates its characteristic sharp, distinct quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Jocob has 32+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1975.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2000s | 53 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 104 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 142 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 42 | — |
The Story of Jocob
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1987, Jocob is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Jocob are most likely born between 1977 and 1997.
How rare is Jocob?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Jocob is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1975, peaked in the 1980s with 142 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Jocob by the numbers
- Would fill 7 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(32 years, 1975–2009)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2009 | 5 | #13383 |
| 2007 | 5 | #13300 |
| 2005 | 6 | #10717 |
| 2004 | 6 | #10599 |
| 2003 | 10 | #6963 |
| 2002 | 10 | #6774 |
| 2001 | 5 | #11396 |
| 2000 | 6 | #9650 |
| 1999 | 16 | #4450 |
| 1998 | 7 | #7984 |
| 1997 | 10 | #5852 |
| 1995 | 7 | #7357 |
| 1994 | 11 | #5263 |
| 1993 | 14 | #4344 |
| 1992 | 13 | #4443 |
| 1991 | 15 | #3907 |
| 1990 | 11 | #4832 |
| 1989 | 18 | #3264 |
| 1988 | 14 | #3605 |
| 1987 | 20 | #2676 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jocob a boy's or girl's name?
When was Jocob most popular?
How popular is the name Jocob?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1975–2009