Rising since 1987, #2,304 for boys today.
Popularity of Joab since 1965
Babies named Joab per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 46 |
| 1980s | 77 |
| 1990s | 149 |
| 2000s | 202 |
| 2010s | 267 |
| 2020s | 253 |
Meaning & origin
Joab is a Hebrew name with deep biblical roots, meaning 'Yahweh is father.' It first appeared in U.S. records in 1965, and as of 2025, it ranks 2304th with a frequency of 1 in 28,468 births. The name has been rising steadily since 1987, reaching its peak in 2025. Its use is most common in Tennessee, Florida, and Texas. While never widely common, Joab offers a distinctive alternative to more popular biblical names like Jacob or Joshua, carrying the weight of a storied Old Testament commander.
Joab is derived from the Hebrew name Yo'av, a contraction of Yehoyav, meaning 'Yahweh is father.' In the Hebrew Bible, Joab was a prominent military commander under King David, known for his strategic prowess and sometimes ruthless actions. The name has been used sparingly in English-speaking countries, primarily among Christian and Jewish families, and saw a modest resurgence in the late 20th century.
Where Joab is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jo
Variants: Yoav
Sibling names for Joab
Names that share Joab's style, for a brother or sister.
