Jocabed is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. It means "May God cause to serve" in English. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "avad," which means "to work or serve," and the prefix "Yo," which means "God." Therefore, Jocabed signifies a desire for divine assistance in one's endeavors.
In biblical history, Jocabed was the mother of Moses and Aaron, two significant figures in Jewish tradition. She was married to Amram, and they lived during the time when the Israelites were enslaved in Egypt. Despite the harsh conditions, Jocabed had faith in God and bore four children: Miriam, Aaron, Moses, and eventually another son whose name is not specified in the biblical narrative.
The story of Jocabed is one of resilience and faithfulness in difficult circumstances. She played a crucial role in her sons' lives, particularly in protecting baby Moses by placing him in a basket on the Nile River where he was ultimately discovered by Pharaoh's daughter. This act set in motion the events that would lead to Moses becoming the deliverer of his people from Egyptian slavery.
In addition to its biblical roots, the name Jocabed carries a strong spiritual significance and conveys a sense of deep faith and trust in God's providence. It is also associated with strength and determination, qualities exhibited by Jocabed in her life story.
Today, Jocabed remains an uncommon yet powerful name choice for parents seeking a distinctive and meaningful name for their child. Its Hebrew origin gives it a unique sound and character, while its biblical connection adds depth and significance to the name's meaning. Whether used as a given name or as a middle name, Jocabed is sure to stand out and inspire those who learn about its rich history and meaning.
The name Jocabed has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. In the early 1990s, there were only 7 babies named Jocabed each year, with a similar number being born each year until the late 1990s and early 2000s.
However, starting from 2007, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Jocabed. That year, there were 13 births, which was the highest number up to that point. This trend continued, with at least 9 births each year until 2015 when it dipped to 6.
But since then, the popularity of the name has surged again. There were 14 births in 2016, followed by 22 in 2017 and 19 in 2018. Although there was a slight dip in 2019 with only 9 births, it climbed back up to 13 in both 2020 and 2021. Most recently, in 2022, there were 16 babies named Jocabed, which is the highest number on record.
In total, from 1990 to 2023, there have been 289 births of children named Jocabed in the United States. This data shows that while Jocabed was not a common name in the early years, it has gained popularity over time and is now one of the most popular names for girls born in recent years.