Job

Pronunciation: [ j-AHB ]

Boy Name #2,324 Most Popular Hidden Gem 1 Syllable

A biblical name of profound patience and faith

Hebrew Christian Jewish Islamic Ethiopian

Spiritual Classic Traditional Strong

Meaning & Origin

"one who returns, repentant"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

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.

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

Famous People Named Job

Job

Religious

Biblical patriarch and central figure of the Book of Job, known for steadfast faith through extreme suffering

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

Pairs Well With

Job Emmanuel Job David Job Michael Job Samuel Job Isaiah Job Ezra Job Elijah

Sibling Names

Ezra Solomon Elijah Isaiah Ruth Naomi Miriam

Similar Names

Joella Joseph Joe Joshua Joel Josh Royal Geo

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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 Jo and 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.

Job