Jacob

Also spelled: Jakob, James, Jacques, Diego, Iago, Yakov

Jacob · James (English) · Jacques (French) · Diego (Spanish) · Iago (Portuguese, Welsh) · Giacomo (Italian) · Yakov (Russian)

Pronunciation: JAY-kuhb

♂ Male

Hebrew

Appears in:

Vintage Names

Biblical Names

Meaning

Supplanter, held by the heel

Origin

Hebrew

About Jacob

Jacob carries a quiet strength, a name deeply rooted in history yet effortlessly at home in the modern world. Its Hebrew origin, meaning "supplanter" or "held by the heel," hints at a determined spirit, echoing through centuries of biblical narrative. This is a name for parents who appreciate a solid, traditional choice without feeling stuffy or overly formal. It’s a classic that has consistently ranked high in popularity across English-speaking countries, making it familiar and well-loved, but what truly sets Jacob apart is its remarkable versatility—it feels equally appropriate for a mischievous toddler, a thoughtful scholar, or a respected leader, seamlessly adapting to every stage of life.

Quick Facts

- Gender: Male - Origin: Hebrew - Pronunciation: JAY-kuhb - Popular in: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia

Popularity & Trends

Rarity:

Common

Trend:Classic

Peak decade:2000s

Era:Ancient, Biblical / Early Christian, Medieval, Contemporary

Popular in:United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Ireland, New Zealand, Scotland

Popularity Trends

Is Jacob Right for Your Baby?

Jacob is a Classic, Strong, Traditional name for boys that suits parents looking for something classic and well-established. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

Syllables2

LengthMedium

International UseGlobal

PronunciationEasy

Cultural Associations

Biblical / Christian

Jewish

Islamic / Muslim

Regions Where Jacob Is Used

Hebrew / Jewish

Middle East

Europe

North America

Name Vibe

Classic

Strong

Traditional

Famous People Named Jacob

Jacob (Biblical patriarch)
Jacob Grimm (German philologist and folklorist)
Jacob Riis (Danish-American social reformer and journalist)
Jacob deGrom (American professional baseball pitcher)
Jacob Tremblay (Canadian actor)

Nicknames & Short Forms

Jake

Coby

Jake
Coby

Jacob in different fonts

JacobDancing Script

JacobCaveat

JacobSatisfy

JacobPacifico

JacobGreat Vibes

Sibling Name Style

If you like Jacob, you might also like names with these styles:

Biblical names

Classic names

Traditional names

Found in these lists

Saint Kitts and Nevis Boy Names

Frequently Asked Questions About Jacob

What are some common nicknames for Jacob?

Popular diminutives for Jacob include Jake, while variations like Jakob, James, and Jacques are also commonly associated.

Is Jacob a popular name in different cultures?

Yes, Jacob is widely recognized and popular across various cultures, particularly in Christian, Jewish, and Islamic traditions due to its biblical roots.

What does Jacob mean?

Jacob means "Supplanter, held by the heel". It is derived from Hebrew.

What is the origin of Jacob?

Jacob originates from Hebrew. Its cultural origin is Hebrew.

Is Jacob a male or female name?

Jacob is a male name.

How do you pronounce Jacob?

Jacob is pronounced "JAY-kuhb".

What language does Jacob come from?

Jacob comes from Hebrew.

Is Jacob a popular name?

Jacob is considered a common name, and its popularity trend is classic.

What are variants of Jacob?

Variants of Jacob include Jakob, James, Jacques, Diego, Iago, Yakov.

What are nicknames for Jacob?

Common nicknames for Jacob include Jake, Coby.

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