Yaakov

“Yaakov (יעקב) is a traditional Hebrew name, known as Jacob in English”

Israel origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#962US 2023

234Births / yr

↑Rising

4.8kAll-time births

📅 Since 194800.01% of births at peak

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 #962 in the US.

🌿

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 Grace

How popular is Yaakov right now?

Rising fast — up 109 spots — currently #962 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1950–2023#962 · Top 0.71%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▲ up 64 · +21% births
1970	#2105	19	▲ up 1693 · +217% births
1965	#3798	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Yaakov

Best Year2021Rank #952

Peak Count237

Average Rank#1898

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1950 - 202318 years

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:

Michael Christopher Matthew Joshua David

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	163

💎With 4,838 total births, Yaakov is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Yaakov?

CATALAN

Jaumet

CROATIAN

Jakša

DANISH

IbJeppe

DUTCH

CobusCoosJaapKobeKobusKoosSjakie

What names sound and feel like Yaakov?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Yaakov also consider these

Yaacov

Israel · to follow, to

Yackov

Israel · He who supplants

Yakov

Hebrew · Supplanter

Jaakov

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Jakov

Croatia · Supplanter

How is Yaakov written in other languages?

יַעֲקֹב

Hebrew

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.