Origin
English diminutive form of Jacob or Jacobus, derived from Hebrew origin, meaning 'supplanter'. The name has historical mentions in biblical texts and has been adopted across English-speaking countries, including Australia. It is not specifically associated with Aboriginal or Māori linguistic roots.
Meaning
Literal translation is 'supplanter' or 'one who takes the place of another'. In Australian English contexts, it is often associated with familiarity, friendliness, or informal affection, as a nickname for Jacob.
Pronunciation
ˈdʒɛb, dʒɛb(ə) (Australian English pronunciation) /stress on first syllable/ / IPA: /ˈdʒebb/ /dʒɛb/ /dʒɪb/ /ˈdʒeb/ /dʒaɪb/ /dʒəb/ (variants) / pronunciation with emphasis on first syllable typical in Australia/
Variants & Nicknames
Variants
- Jebb (original spelling)
- Jeb (common short form)
- Jebba (informal, diminutive)
Nicknames
- Jeb
- Jebba
Name Days
- 24 July (Feast of Saint James, also called Saint Jacob in some traditions)
- None officially observed in Australian calendars, but names like Jebb may be celebrated in personal or family contexts.
- No specific cultural or Indigenous celebrations associated with this name.
Name Pairings
Names that pair well with jebb:
- Jebb and William
- Jebb and James (classic pairing in Australian naming tradition)
- Jebb and Alice (for siblings)
Fun Facts
- The name Jebb became more familiar in Australia through notable individuals such as Sir Jebb Sotheby, a prominent Australian lawyer in the early 20th century.
- The nickname 'Jeb' is also used in American English, but 'Jebb' remains uniquely Australian in spelling and usage.
- Jebb is a relatively uncommon name in Australia, making it distinctive among traditional names.
Personality Traits
Common traits associated with the name jebb:
- Friendly
- Familiar
- Informal
Aesthetic Qualities
The name has a clean, straightforward visual appeal, with balanced consonant-vowel structure that makes it easy to write and pronounce in Australian English.
Geographical Distribution
More common in eastern states like New South Wales and Victoria, though overall rarity keeps it somewhat dispersed across regions. Historically more prevalent in families with Anglo-Saxon heritage.
Numerological Significance
Name number 3 — associated with creativity, friendliness, and social communication. Overall positive connotations for personal growth and expressiveness.
Astrological Connections
No specific zodiac associations, but name number 3 correlates with jovial, optimistic, and artistic tendencies in astrology-based interpretations. Suitable for those born under fire signs like Leo or Sagittarius.
Historical Context
The name Jebb gained some prominence through notable Australian figures such as Sir Jebb Sotheby, a renowned lawyer. The name, being a variation of Jacob, is tied historically to biblical and European naming traditions. It has experienced fluctuations in popularity over the decades in Australia.
Linguistic Adaptability
The name Jebb adapts well across English variants and can be easily integrated into multicultural Australian contexts, with potential forms in other languages being Jacob, Jakob, or Ya'qub.
Famous People Named jebb
- Sir Jebb Sotheby (Lawyer and Public Figure)
- Jebb Johnson (Australian actor)
- Jebb Harvey (Australian Rules Footballer)
Popularity in Australia
Year | Count |
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2016 | 1 |