Declining since 2002, #5,399 for boys today.
Popularity of Jabez since 1880
Babies named Jabez per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 10 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 11 |
| 1920s | 6 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 8 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 45 |
| 1990s | 69 |
| 2000s | 549 |
| 2010s | 309 |
| 2020s | 94 |
Meaning & origin
Jabez is a biblical name with roots in the Old Testament, where the character Jabez prays a notable prayer for blessing and protection. The name saw a resurgence in the early 2000s, peaking in 2002, largely due to the influence of Bruce Wilkinson's book "The Prayer of Jabez." Since then, its usage has steadily declined. In 2023, it ranked 5399 in the United States, with approximately 1 in every 100,475 newborn boys receiving the name. Originally recorded in 1880, the name remained relatively obscure for over a century before its spike. While no U.S. state recorded more than a handful of births in recent years, its cultural footprint remains significant in religious communities. The name's etymology is tied to the Hebrew word for pain, but alternative interpretations suggest a possible connection to joy or height. Overall, Jabez remains a distinctive choice with a strong biblical legacy.
Jabez appears in the Hebrew Bible (1 Chronicles 4:9-10) as a man whose name is linked to the word for pain (otzev). He is remembered for a prayer asking God for blessing and protection. The name has been used among English-speaking Christians since the Protestant Reformation, especially after the 2000 bestseller "The Prayer of Jabez" which popularized it.
Sibling names for Jabez
Names that share Jabez's style, for a brother or sister.
