Declining since 2003, #6,143 for boys today.
Popularity of Jeb since 1944
Babies named Jeb per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 16 |
| 1950s | 180 |
| 1960s | 236 |
| 1970s | 516 |
| 1980s | 527 |
| 1990s | 347 |
| 2000s | 426 |
| 2010s | 246 |
| 2020s | 106 |
Meaning & origin
Jeb is a distinctive name with an uncertain origin, though it is often considered a short form of Jebediah, a biblical name. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1944 and enjoyed its peak popularity in 1978. Since 2003, its usage has been declining, reflecting a broader trend away from traditional nickname-as-given-names. In 2025, it ranked 6,143 nationally, with only about 1 in 122,005 newborn boys receiving the name. Jeb has never broken into the top tier of popularity, remaining a rare choice for parents seeking a short, no-nonsense name with a rustic feel.
Jeb is typically a short form of the biblical name Jebediah, which itself is a variant of Jedidiah, meaning 'beloved of the Lord' in Hebrew. However, Jeb has also been used independently, particularly in the United States, and may derive from initials J.E.B. or be a nickname for other names like Jefferson or Jebediah.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Jebediah
Sibling names for Jeb
Names that share Jeb's style, for a brother or sister.
