What does Jakob mean and where does it come from?
Jakob is a variant of the name Jacob, originating from the Hebrew name יַעֲקֹב (Ya'akov). It has Biblical roots, as Jacob was a significant figure in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The name has been widely used in many cultures and languages, including German 'Jakob' and Polish 'Jakub'. In histor
Cultural significance
Jakob has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of supplanter.
Peak popularity
Reached #171 in 2001 — currently #1372 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jakob?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Jakob?
Jakob works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jakob Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Jakob Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Jakob Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Jakob Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Jakob Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Jakob Kai
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Jakob right now?
Falling — down 251 spots — currently #1372 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1372 | 135 | ▼ down 251 · -29% births |
| 2024 | #1121 | 191 | ▲ up 13 · +3% births |
| 2023 | #1134 | 186 | ▼ down 144 · -18% births |
| 2022 | #990 | 227 | ▼ down 145 · -19% births |
| 2021 | #845 | 281 | ▲ up 37 · +11% births |
| 2020 | #882 | 253 | ▼ down 357 · -54% births |
| 2015 | #525 | 546 | ▼ down 227 · -50% births |
| 2010 | #298 | 1,097 | ▼ down 23 · -10% births |
| 2005 | #275 | 1,214 | ▼ down 102 · -44% births |
| 2000 | #173 | 2,161 | ▲ up 234 · +285% births |
| 1995 | #407 | 561 | ▲ up 171 · +83% births |
| 1990 | #578 | 306 | ▲ up 423 · +269% births |
| 1985 | #1001 | 83 | ▲ up 28 · +6% births |
| 1980 | #1029 | 78 | ▲ up 551 · +136% births |
| 1975 | #1580 | 33 | — |
The story of Jakob
Jakob entered American naming records in 1957 and has been in use for over 67 years. A total of 30,909 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4537 in 1970 to #1134 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Jakob in 2001:
Jakob by decade
Jakob peaked in the 2000s. See all 2000s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 19 | |
| 1960s | 42 | |
| 1970s | 289 | |
| 1980s | 1,215 | |
| 1990s | 8,161 | |
| 2000s ★ | 14,758 | |
| 2010s | 6,172 | |
| 2020s | 579 | |
What are good nicknames for Jakob?
DUTCH
CobusCoosJaapKobeKobusKoosSjakie
Famous people named Jakob
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Jakob (historical figure)
Jakob 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 Jakob?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jakob also consider these
How is Jakob written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Jakob?
Common questions about the name Jakob
What does the name Jakob mean?
Jakob means "Supplanter" — 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 Jakob?
Jakob is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Jakob?
Jakob 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 Jakob?
Jakob is a two-syllable name pronounced JAK-ub. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jakob a common or rare name?
Jakob is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.