Jacques

boyHebrewChristian

Jacques is a Christian boy name of Hebrew, via Latin and French origin, meaning “Held by the heel; supplanter”.

MeaningHeld by the heel; supplanter
GenderBoy
OriginHebrew, via Latin and French
PronunciationZHAHK
TraditionChristian
Used inFrance, Belgium, Canada, Switzerland

Meaning and origin of Jacques

Jacques is the French form of James and Jacob, from the Late Latin Iacobus, the Hebrew Ya'akov. In Genesis the name is linked to Jacob holding Esau's heel, and so explained as 'he grasps the heel' or 'he supplants'. Jacques was so common in medieval France that it became a nickname for any peasant. Famous bearers include the explorer Jacques Cousteau and President Jacques Chirac.

Is Jacques a Christian name?

Jacques honours the apostles James and, through them, the patriarch Jacob, so it is rooted in both Testaments.

How popular is Jacques?

Very common in France in the mid-twentieth century; less so for babies today.

Gifts with the name Jacques

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Spellings and variants of Jacques

Names similar to Jacques

More Christian boy names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Jacques mean?

Jacques means 'Held by the heel; supplanter'. It is of Hebrew, via Latin and French origin.

Is Jacques a Christian name?

Jacques honours the apostles James and, through them, the patriarch Jacob, so it is rooted in both Testaments.

How do you pronounce Jacques?

Jacques is pronounced ZHAHK.

Is Jacques a boy or girl name?

Jacques is usually a boy name.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.