Jacob
Jacob is a Jewish boy name of Hebrew origin, meaning “Holder of the heel; supplanter”.
| Meaning | Holder of the heel; supplanter |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Written as | יַעֲקֹב |
| Pronunciation | JAY-kub |
| Tradition | Jewish, Christian, Muslim |
| Used in | Worldwide |
Meaning and origin of Jacob
Jacob comes from Hebrew Yaakov. Genesis connects the name with akev, 'heel', because Jacob was born grasping the heel of his twin brother Esau, and later with the idea of supplanting him; many scholars think it originally meant 'may God protect'. Jacob was renamed Israel after wrestling with an angel, and his twelve sons became the tribes of Israel. Jacob was the most popular boys' name in the United States from 1999 to 2012.
Is Jacob a Jewish name?
Jacob is one of the patriarchs of Judaism and Christianity, and in Islam he is the prophet Yaqub, father of Yusuf (Joseph).
How popular is Jacob?
Very widely used, especially in the United States and Europe.
Gifts with the name Jacob
- Jacob name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Jacob baby gifts (Amazon)
- Jewish baby gifts & books (Amazon)
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may earn a small commission from these links, at no extra cost to you.
Spellings and variants of Jacob
Names similar to Jacob
More Jewish boy names
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jacob mean?
Jacob means 'Holder of the heel; supplanter'. It is of Hebrew origin.
Is Jacob a Jewish name?
Jacob is one of the patriarchs of Judaism and Christianity, and in Islam he is the prophet Yaqub, father of Yusuf (Joseph).
How do you pronounce Jacob?
Jacob is pronounced JAY-kub.
Is Jacob a boy or girl name?
Jacob is usually a boy name.