What does Yaakov mean and where does it come from?
Yaakov (יעקב) is a traditional Hebrew name, known as Jacob in English. The name is rooted in biblical history, with Yaakov being a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name has been used since ancient times and remains popular among Jewish communit
Cultural significance
Yaakov has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Israel-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hebrew.
Peak popularity
Reached #852 in 1986 — currently #1025 in the US.
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Related Reading
Israel-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Yaakov?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Yaakov?
Yaakov works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Yaakov Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Yaakov John
One syllable · timeless choice
Yaakov Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Yaakov Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Yaakov Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Yaakov Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Yaakov right now?
Declining — down 50 spots — currently #1025 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1025 | 218 | ▼ down 50 · -6% births |
| 2024 | #975 | 233 | ▼ down 13 |
| 2023 | #962 | 234 | ▲ up 109 · +14% births |
| 2022 | #1071 | 205 | ▼ down 119 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #952 | 237 | ▲ up 223 · +45% births |
| 2020 | #1175 | 163 | ▼ down 182 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #993 | 207 | ▲ up 67 · +14% births |
| 2010 | #1060 | 181 | ▲ up 224 · +51% births |
| 2005 | #1284 | 120 | ▲ up 101 · +32% births |
| 2000 | #1385 | 91 | ▼ down 53 · +17% births |
| 1995 | #1332 | 78 | ▲ up 95 · +26% births |
| 1990 | #1427 | 62 | ▼ down 150 · +9% births |
| 1985 | #1277 | 57 | ▲ up 258 · +43% births |
| 1980 | #1535 | 40 | ▲ up 506 · +74% births |
| 1975 | #2041 | 23 | — |
The story of Yaakov
Yaakov entered American naming records in 1948 and has been in use for over 76 years. With 4,838 total births recorded, Yaakov remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4126 in 1950 to #962 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Yaakov in 1986:
Yaakov by decade
Yaakov peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 6 | |
| 1950s | 59 | |
| 1960s | 85 | |
| 1970s | 260 | |
| 1980s | 624 | |
| 1990s | 752 | |
| 2000s | 1,170 | |
| 2010s ★ | 1,719 | |
| 2020s | 614 | |
💎With 4,838 total births, Yaakov is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Yaakov?
DUTCH
CobusCoosJaapKobeKobusKoosSjakie
What names sound and feel like Yaakov?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yaakov also consider these
How is Yaakov written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Yaakov?
Common questions about the name Yaakov
What does the name Yaakov mean?
Yaakov means "Hebrew" — a name rooted in Israel 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 Yaakov?
Yaakov is currently ranked #962 as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Yaakov have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Yaakov?
Yaakov originates from Israel tradition. Israel names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Yaakov trending right now?
Yaakov is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Yaakov a common or rare name?
Yaakov is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.