Last Name Jobe

The last name "Jobe" is of English and Scottish origin. It is believed to have derived from the medieval personal name "Job," which itself can be traced back to the Hebrew name "Iyov" from the biblical Book of Job. This biblical connection suggests that the surname Jobe may have originally been used as a given name and later transitioned into a hereditary surname. Over time, the spelling variations of the name have evolved, including Job, Jobes, Jobs, and others. The Jobe surname is now found in various English-speaking countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, often indicating a common ancestral connection.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jobe

The meaning and origin of the last name Jobe

The surname Jobe has multiple origins and meanings. One possible origin is derived from the Hebrew name "Yov," which means "persecuted" or "afflicted." It is believed to have been introduced to Europe by Jewish immigrants, specifically Sephardic Jews who fled Spain during the Spanish Inquisition. Another likely origin is a variant of the surname "Job," which is of biblical significance. Job was a central figure in the Old Testament, renowned for his unwavering faith despite facing immense suffering and hardship. The name Job became a popular given name, and later evolved into a surname. Over time, variations such as Jobe emerged. The surname Jobe is found in various cultures and countries, including England, Wales, France, and Germany, indicating its widespread adoption.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jobe

The surname Jobe has relatively limited geographical distribution, primarily concentrated in West Africa and the United States. In West Africa, Jobe is a common surname among the Mandinka people, who are mainly found in The Gambia, Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and Mali. This indicates that the origins of the surname can be traced back to this region. In the United States, Jobe is less prevalent but still notable, particularly in the southern states. It is believed to have been brought to America through the transatlantic slave trade, as many Mandinka people were forcibly transported to the Americas during that time. Today, Jobe can be found in states such as Georgia, Alabama, Texas, and Mississippi, where descendants of African slaves have established communities. While the distribution of the surname Jobe is relatively sparse globally, its presence in West Africa and the United States exemplifies the historical and cultural connections between these regions.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jobe

The last name Jobe has various spellings and variations that have evolved over time. Some common variations include Job, Joby, Jobey, Jobi, and Joobe. These variations can be attributed to different regional accents, changes in pronunciation, or errors in documentation. It is worth noting that names are often subject to alterations as they are passed down through generations and as families migrate to different regions. In some cases, individuals may choose to modify the spelling of their last name to differentiate themselves or to conform to local naming conventions. Furthermore, some variations might be derived from anglicization or phonetic rendering of the original surname in other languages. Despite these variations, the common thread that unites all these spellings is the lineage and heritage associated with the last name Jobe.

Famous people with the last name Jobe

Jobe is not a very common last name, but it has been associated with a few notable individuals. One of the most famous is Brooke Elizabeth Jobe, a renowned orthopedic surgeon specializing in sports medicine. Dr. Jobe gained worldwide recognition for pioneering the surgical procedure known as Tommy John surgery, which effectively restored baseball pitcher Tommy John's career by reconstructing his damaged ulnar collateral ligament. Another well-known figure with the last name Jobe is Helen Jobe Chancellor, a prominent philanthropist and advocate for education. Chancellor played a vital role in founding the Mike Curb College of Entertainment and Music Business at Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee. Her contributions to the institution have greatly impacted the education and career opportunities available to aspiring artists and musicians. Although not a common surname, these individuals' achievements in their respective fields have helped put the name Jobe on the map.

Genealogical research on the last name Jobe

The surname Jobe is believed to have originated from the Old Testament biblical name "Job," who was known for his perseverance and loyalty to God. In genealogical research, it is found to be primarily of English origin. The early records suggest the presence of the name Jobe in the county of Yorkshire, England, as far back as the 13th century. Over time, Jobe families migrated and settled in various parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. In America, the name appears in early colonial records, with Jobes being found in Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New England. Over the centuries, variant spellings of the name, such as Job, Jobes, and Joab, emerged. Today, the Jobe surname continues to be present globally, with individuals proud of their ancestral heritage and achievements. Genealogical research on the Jobe name continues to unveil connections, family branches, and the rich tapestry of the name's history.

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jobe"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 April 2025

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