Jacob
Male nameHebrew
✨ Meaning
Jacob comes from the Hebrew 'Yaakov,' meaning 'supplanter' or 'he who follows at the heel,' referring to the biblical account of Jacob grasping his twin Esau's heel at birth. Despite this combative origin, Jacob went on to become Israel, the father of twelve sons who became the twelve tribes of Israel, making him the foremost patriarch.
🌍 Origin
Jacob is one of the most important figures in the Hebrew Bible — the patriarch who wrestled with God, received the name Israel ('one who struggles with God'), and fathered the twelve tribes. The name has been popular among Jews and Christians for millennia. It was the #1 US boys name from 1999 to 2012, one of the longest consecutive reigns in recorded history.
📈 Popularity Trend
⭐ Famous People Named Jacob
- Jacob (biblical patriarch)
- Jacob Elordi
- Jake Gyllenhaal
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What does Jacob mean?
Jacob means 'supplanter' or 'he who grasps the heel' in Hebrew. Despite the origin, Jacob became Israel and the father of the twelve tribes — the most revered patriarch.
Is Jacob a popular name?
Jacob was the #1 US boys name for 14 consecutive years (1999-2012) — the longest such run in modern records — and remains in the top 25.
What are similar names to Jacob?
Similar names include Isaac, Esau, Nathan, Noah, and Caleb — all Hebrew patriarch names that have remained consistently popular in the US.
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