"one who returns, repentant"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Job
Pronunciation: [ j-AHB ]
Does Job flow with your last name?
A biblical name of profound patience and faith
Hebrew
Christian
Jewish
Islamic
Ethiopian
Spiritual
Classic
Traditional
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Nicknames
Nicknames for Job
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
Playground Safety
Some Teasing Potential
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Things to Know About This Name
- Primary association is the biblical figure who suffered extreme hardship — positive resilience story but initial impression is suffering
The Story of Job
Job comes from the Hebrew Iyyov (Ayov), whose meaning is debated — it may mean persecuted or one who comes back, related to the root meaning to be hostile or to repent and return. In the Hebrew Bible, Job is a righteous man whose faith is tested by extraordinary suffering, yet who maintains his integrity and is ultimately vindicated. The name is revered across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (where he is called Ayyub).
Job has remained in quiet but steady use across Christian and Jewish communities worldwide. It is particularly common in Ethiopia (where Job/Ayub has deep roots), West Africa, and among religious communities who honor biblical names. It is rarely given as a first name in modern Western contexts but maintains presence globally.
The story of Job is one of the most profound meditations on suffering, faith, and divine justice in world literature. Naming a son Job traditionally expressed a wish for righteousness under trial. In Islamic tradition, Ayyub is a prophet known for his extraordinary patience.
Historical Record
Job first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 3,169 babies have been named Job in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Job is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,324 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Book of Job is considered one of the greatest literary works of antiquity, exploring theodicy and suffering
- In Islamic tradition, Ayyub (Job) is a revered prophet known for his patience
Job in Other Languages
Arabic
Ayyub
French
Job
Hebrew
Iyyov
Italian
Giobbe
Spanish
Job
Ethiopian
Ayob
Popularity Over Time
#2,324
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Job
J
Job
Religious
Biblical patriarch and central figure of the Book of Job, known for steadfast faith through extreme suffering
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,324
- Total SSA Count
- 61
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Christian Jewish Islamic Ethiopian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Jo
Joe
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, Christian heritage match, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, classic style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, strong style, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Job
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Job
What does the name Job mean?
"one who returns, repentant" (from Hebrew). Job comes from the Hebrew Iyyov (Ayov), whose meaning is debated — it may mean persecuted or one who comes back, related to the root meaning to be hostile or to repent and return. In the Hebrew Bible, Job is a righteous man whose faith is tested by extraordinary suffering, yet who maintains his integrity and is ultimately vindicated. The name is revered across Judaism, Christianity, and Islam (where he is called Ayyub).
What is the origin of the name Job?
Job has Hebrew, Christian, Jewish, Islamic, and Ethiopian origins. In Hebrew, it means "one who returns, repentant".
Is Job a boy or girl name?
Job is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Job?
Job is pronounced j-AHB.
How popular is the name Job?
Job is currently ranked #2324 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Job?
Common nicknames for Job include Joe.
What are good middle names for Job?
Popular middle name pairings include Job Emmanuel, Job David, Job Michael, Job Samuel, Job Isaiah, Job Ezra, and Job Elijah.
What are good sibling names for Job?
Names that pair well with Job as siblings include Ezra, Solomon, Elijah, Isaiah, Ruth, Naomi, and Miriam.
How many syllables does Job have?
Job has 1 syllable, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Job a common or rare name?
Job is an uncommon name, ranked #2324 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Job
Job is a boy name with Hebrew, Christian, Jewish, Islamic, and Ethiopian origins . The name means "one who returns, repentant" in Hebrew .
Job is currently ranked #2,324 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Job has 1 syllable and is pronounced j-AHB, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Job include Jo and Joe. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis