Jacob
Supplanter — a boy name of Hebrew origin
Popularity of Jacob in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Jacob
Jacob comes from the Hebrew name Yaakov, traditionally interpreted as "supplanter" or "holder of the heel," referencing the biblical story of Jacob being born grasping his twin brother Esau's heel. Jacob was a patriarch of the Israelites who was later renamed Israel by God after wrestling with an angel. The name has been used continuously for thousands of years across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Jacob was the number one boy name in the United States from 1999 to 2012, an extraordinarily long reign at the top.
Jacob Around the World
Jacob is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 42+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Jacob
Famous People Named Jacob
- Jacob Grimm — German linguist and folklorist
- Jacob Lawrence — American painter
- Jacob Elordi — Australian actor
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Sibling Name Ideas for Jacob
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jacob mean?
Jacob is a boy name of Hebrew origin meaning "Supplanter." Jacob comes from the Hebrew name Yaakov, traditionally interpreted as "supplanter" or "holder of the heel," referencing the biblical story of Jacob being born grasping his twin brother Esau's heel. Jacob was a patriarch of the Israelites who was later renamed Israel by God after wrestling with an angel.
How do you pronounce Jacob?
Jacob is pronounced JAY-kub. Common variations include Jakob, Jacobo, Yakub.
Is Jacob a boy name?
Yes, Jacob is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Jake, Jay, Coby.
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