Declining since 2021, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Jubal since 1956
Babies named Jubal per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1950s | 41 |
| 1960s | 109 |
| 1970s | 146 |
| 1980s | 103 |
| 1990s | 90 |
| 2000s | 115 |
| 2010s | 126 |
| 2020s | 84 |
Meaning & origin
Jubal is a rare but enduring biblical name with a musical heritage. First recorded in modern U.S. data in 1956, the name peaked in 1977 but has been in gradual decline since 2021, with recent usage falling to about 1 in 189,786 births in 2025. Its top-ranked year remains 1977. Despite its low frequency, Jubal appears in no top state lists, reflecting its scattered use across the country. The name's Old Testament roots appeal to parents seeking a distinctive yet scripturally grounded choice.
The name appears in the Old Testament as the son of Lamech and Adah, described as 'the father of all who play the lyre and pipe.' Its meaning is uncertain; some scholars connect it to the Hebrew word 'yovel,' meaning 'ram's horn' or 'jubilee,' while others link it to 'yuvhal,' meaning 'brought' or 'conducted.' Despite its ancient roots, the name was not common among English speakers until after the Protestant Reformation, and it has seen sporadic use since the 17th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jube, Jub
Sibling names for Jubal
Names that share Jubal's style, for a brother or sister.
