Jacob

ClassicTraditionalBiblicalStrongTimeless

Jacob is a Hebrew name meaning "supplanter" or "holder of the heel," derived from the biblical patriarch who became the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. It has deep religious significance in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions.

Current Popularity

#43 for boys

in the United States (2025)

Projected 2026: #47, likely #42 to #52

↗Less common now

Popularity over time

188019502020
Recent years · births per year

Dashed bar: 2026 (projected): 5,937. How this is calculated

Yearly values
  • 2011: 20,403
  • 2012: 19,110
  • 2013: 18,201
  • 2014: 16,923
  • 2015: 16,005
  • 2016: 14,559
  • 2017: 13,269
  • 2018: 11,897
  • 2019: 10,797
  • 2020: 9,309
  • 2021: 8,494
  • 2022: 7,667
  • 2023: 7,015
  • 2024: 6,541
  • 2025: 6,152
  • 2026 (projected): 5,937

Good to Know

Common nicknames: Jake, Jay, Coby, Cob, Jakey
  • •Easy to spell and pronounce across many languages
  • •Strong biblical and historical significance
  • •Works well in both formal and casual settings
  • •Nickname Jake is equally popular and versatile
  • •Multiple spelling variations exist

Famous People

J

Jacob Elordi

Actor

J

Jacob Tremblay

Actor

J

Jake Gyllenhaal

Actor

J

Jacob Lawrence

Painter and visual artist

Statistics

988,227

Total births since 1880

1998

Peak year

Discovery

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