Boy name · Hebrew
Jacob
“holder of the heel, supplanter”
Vibes
Common nicknames
Short-forms and diminutives parents often use for Jacob.
Explore Jacob further
Similar-feel alternatives, or middle-name candidates that pair well with Jacob — both ranked by the same scoring system (vibe overlap, syllable rhythm, origin compatibility).
About the name
Jacob is Hebrew Ya'aqov, from aqev, heel — he is born gripping his twin's heel, and the name is then read again as supplanter when he takes Esau's birthright. The Bible makes the pun explicit, which is rare.
It was the single most-given boys' name in the US every year from 1999 to 2012, a thirteen-year run. It has fallen fast since and now sits at number 43, which is what happens to names that peak that hard.
Jake carries the whole name for most bearers. Two syllables want two or three (Jacob Emmanuel, Jacob Everett). On our vibe map it is Heirloom with a Y2K Nostalgic stamp from its dominance decade.
More Hebrew names
Jacob sits in our Hebrew set — these share its roots.
All Hebrew names →Jacob — common questions
Is Jacob a boy or girl name?
Jacob is traditionally a boy name of Hebrew origin.
What does the name Jacob mean?
Jacob means “holder of the heel, supplanter” of Hebrew origin. Jacob is Hebrew Ya'aqov, from aqev, heel — he is born gripping his twin's heel, and the name is then read again as supplanter when he takes Esau's birthright. The Bible makes the pun explicit, which is rare.
Where does the name Jacob come from?
Jacob is Hebrew in origin. It was the single most-given boys' name in the US every year from 1999 to 2012, a thirteen-year run. It has fallen fast since and now sits at number 43, which is what happens to names that peak that hard.
What are common nicknames for Jacob?
Jake and Coby — the short-forms parents most often use for Jacob.
How popular is Jacob?
Jacob did not make the top 1,000 boys' names in US Social Security Administration data for 2025, which makes it genuinely rare in the US.
Bring the name into the room
A couple of nice things named Jacob you might want for the nursery.