“עַקֹב (Ya'akov) means 'to follow' or 'to supplant'.” — Associated with the biblical figure Jacob
Hebrew origin · Boy name
♂ 100% boys♀ 0% girls
#35US 2023
7kBirths / yr
→Stable
953.7kAll-time births
📅 Since 1880🏆 71 years in top 1001.84% of births at peak
How to pronounce Jacob
JAY·KAHB
/ˈdʒeɪ.ˈkɑb/ · stress on JAY · 2 syllables
“עַקֹב (Ya'akov) means 'to follow' or 'to supplant'.”
Associated with the biblical figure Jacob · Hebrew origin
What does Jacob mean and where does it come from?
Jacob is traditionally a male name, but it has seen usage for females in modern contexts. The name is deeply rooted in Hebrew history, often associated with the biblical figure Jacob, a patriarch of the Israelites. Jacob is one of the most popular names in various cultures and has many variations ac
Cultural significance
Jacob has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of עַקֹב (ya'akov) means 'to follow' or 'to supplant'..
Holding steady — currently #35 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
US Trend 1880–2023#35 · Top 0.03%
1965
1970
1975
1980
1985
1990
1995
2000
2005
2010
2015
2020
2021
2022
2023
Year
US Rank
Births
vs Prior Year
2023
#35
7,005
▼ down 3 · -9% births
2022
#32
7,658
▼ down 8 · -10% births
2021
#24
8,481
▼ down 9 · -8% births
2020
#15
9,196
▼ down 11 · -42% births
2015
#4
15,949
▼ down 3 · -28% births
2010
#1
22,127
stable · -14% births
2005
#1
25,833
stable · -25% births
2000
#1
34,477
▲ up 3 · +11% births
1995
#4
31,129
▲ up 16 · +41% births
1990
#20
22,009
▲ up 15 · +79% births
1985
#35
12,275
▲ up 8 · +44% births
1980
#43
8,525
▲ up 32 · +135% births
1975
#75
3,624
▲ up 177 · +296% births
1970
#252
915
▲ up 95 · +88% births
1965
#347
488
—
Name Popularity Timeline
Popularity Statistics for Jacob
2000Rank #1
34,477
#128
↗Rising
1900 - 202328 years
The story of Jacob
Jacob has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It reached the #1 spot in 1999, making it the most popular boy name in America that year. Over 954K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. Jacob shows a classic revival pattern — popular in the 1880s, declining mid-century, then surging back in recent decades. Jacob is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Jacob means "עַקֹב (Ya'akov) means 'to follow' or 'to supplant'." — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Jacob?
Jacob is currently ranked #35 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Jacob?
Jacob originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Jacob?
Jacob is a two-syllable name pronounced JH EY1 K AA1 B. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jacob more of a girl or boy name?
Jacob is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.
Sibling names that pair with Jacob
For a sister
Jacob & Abigail♡
Jacob & Maya♡
Jacob & Leah♡
Jacob & Isaiah♡
For a brother
Jacob & Noah♡
Jacob & Benjamin♡
Jacob & Daniel♡
Jacob & Gabriel♡
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