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boy name · Hebrew origin

Jacob

/ JAY-kub /
Boy Hebrew 2 syllables
Meaning
Jacob means Supplanter (Hebrew).
Gender
Boy
Origin
Hebrew
Pronunciation
JAY-kub
Popularity
#43 · U.S. boys (2025)
Popularity of Jacob in the US, 1880–2025
18801900192019401960198020002020

Jacob first appears in US records in 1880. It peaked in 1998, when 36,031 boys were given the name; in 2025 there were 6,152.

Source: US Social Security Administration.

What does Jacob mean?

From the Hebrew Yaʿaqov, “holder of the heel” or “supplanter.” Jacob is a patriarch in Genesis.

Nicknames for Jacob

Names like Jacob

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Jacob mean?

Jacob means Supplanter. From the Hebrew Yaʿaqov, “holder of the heel” or “supplanter.” Jacob is a patriarch in Genesis.

What is the origin of the name Jacob?

Jacob is of Hebrew origin.

How do you pronounce Jacob?

Jacob is pronounced “JAY-kub.”

Is Jacob a boy or a girl name?

Jacob is most commonly used as a boy name.

How popular is the name Jacob?

In 2025, Jacob ranked #43 among boys’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.

When was the name Jacob most popular?

Jacob was most popular in 1998, when about 36,031 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.

What are common nicknames for Jacob?

Common nicknames for Jacob include Jake, Coby.