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'..
Peak popularity
Reached #1 in 1999 — currently #43 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jacob?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Jacob?
Jacob works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jacob Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Jacob Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Jacob Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Jacob Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Jacob Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Jacob Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Jacob right now?
Holding steady — currently #43 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #43 | 6,152 | ▼ down 3 · -6% births |
| 2024 | #40 | 6,541 | ▼ down 5 · -7% births |
| 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 | — |
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.
Names that peaked alongside Jacob in 1999:
Jacob by decade
Jacob peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 3,566 | |
| 1890s | 2,551 | |
| 1900s | 2,191 | |
| 1910s | 8,699 | |
| 1920s | 9,066 | |
| 1930s | 5,282 | |
| 1940s | 4,852 | |
| 1950s | 5,406 | |
| 1960s | 5,088 | |
| 1970s | 36,591 | |
| 1980s | 124,933 | |
| 1990s ★ | 298,937 | |
| 2000s | 274,367 | |
| 2010s | 162,926 | |
| 2020s | 21,907 | |
What are good nicknames for Jacob?
DUTCH
CobusCoosJaapKobeKobusKoosSjakie
Famous people named Jacob
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Jacob (historical figure)
Jacob bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Jacob?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jacob also consider these
How is Jacob written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Jacob?
Common questions about the name Jacob
What does the name Jacob mean?
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 JAY-KAHB. 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.