According to the U.S. baby name data, the name Joby saw an uptick in usage (as a boy name) in 1963:
- 1965: 20 baby boys named Joby
- 1964: 15 baby boys named Joby
- 1963: 23 baby boys named Joby
- 1962: 9 baby boys named Joby
- 1961: 6 baby boys named Joby
Why?
Because of a single-episode character on the TV show Stoney Burke. The episode was called “Joby” and aired on March 18, 1963.
In the episode, Joby Pierce (played by future Oscar winner Robert Duvall) was a well-meaning but simple-minded stable boy on the run from his past.
What are your thoughts on the name Joby? (Do you like it better for boys, or for girls?)
There was also, around the same time, an actor named Joby Baker who made appearances on various shows and movies of the 1950s and 60s. He later starred in his own show, the short lived “Good Morning World,” during the 1967-68 season. I would guess that he partly contributed to the name’s popularity boost as well.
I like the name Joby and wish it saw more usage today!
Oh very good point! Thank you. I’m sure you’re right. In fact, he is probably the driving force behind most of the 1960s (and late 1950s) usage. I’ll need to come back and revise this post…
It’s a cute name! I know one Joby (a female), but she’s the only one I’ve ever met.