NameGen

Jacob

Hebrew boy's name meaning supplanter; holder of the heel

Gender
Boy
Origin
Hebrew
Meaning
supplanter; holder of the heel
Syllables
2
Letters
5
US rank (2023)
#36
Born in 2023
7,005

Meaning & origin

Jacob comes from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, traditionally 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel'. He was a patriarch in the Bible and father of the twelve tribes.

Popularity

In the latest US data, Jacob ranked #36 for boys. It has held remarkably steady over the past decade — a dependable classic.

In 2023, 7,005 US boys were given the name Jacob.

US popularity rank over time

Peaked at #1 in 2003

1993
#9
1998
#2
2003
#1
2008
#1
2013
#2
2018
#13
2023
#36
2024
#41

“Unranked” means Jacob was outside the US top 1,000 that year.

See more boy names starting with J.

Variants

James

Nicknames

Jake, Jay

Jacob: frequently asked questions

What does the name Jacob mean?

Jacob is a Hebrew name meaning "supplanter; holder of the heel". Jacob comes from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, traditionally 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel'. He was a patriarch in the Bible and father of the twelve tribes.

Where does the name Jacob come from?

Jacob is of Hebrew origin. Jacob comes from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, traditionally 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel'. He was a patriarch in the Bible and father of the twelve tribes.

Is Jacob a boy or a girl name?

Jacob is most commonly a boy's name.

How many babies are named Jacob?

In 2023, 7,005 US boys were given the name Jacob.

Is Jacob a popular name, and is it rising or falling?

In the latest US data, Jacob ranked #36 for boys. It has held remarkably steady over the past decade — a dependable classic.

What are common nicknames for Jacob?

Common nicknames for Jacob include Jake, Jay.

Similar names