Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Jakob originates from Hebrew and means 'supplanter' or 'follower'. It has evolved through various languages and forms, including Latin and Old French. The name carries significant biblical relevance due to its association with Jacob, a key figure in religious texts. Today, Jakob is considered a strong and reliable name, and it remains popular in various cultures.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈjɑːkɒb/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Jakob is derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, which means 'to follow' or 'to be behind'. It is also associated with the biblical figure Jacob, who was the son of Isaac and Rebecca.
Meaning
Supplanter, follower
Language Evolution
Ya'aqov (Hebrew), Iacobus (Latin), Jacobus (Old French), Jacques (Old French), Jakob (German/Dutch)
Biblical Background
The name Jakob is closely associated with the biblical Jacob, who is a significant patriarch in the Hebrew Bible.
Historical Usage
Jakob gained popularity in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in Germany and the Netherlands. It has remained a common name in various forms across different cultures.
Variants & Derivatives
Jacob, James, Jakob, Jaco, Kobi
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Jakob is viewed as a traditional yet modern name, often associated with strength and reliability. It remains popular in several countries, particularly in German-speaking regions.
Famous People
Jakob Fugger - A prominent banker and merchant in the 16th century., Jakob Nielsen - A renowned web usability expert., Jakob Dylan - The lead singer of the rock band The Wallflowers.
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,192 peak births in 2001
Geographic Spread
Popular across 50 US states, with strongest presence in Nevada
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4712th of 7552 | 41 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1841st of 10718 | 387 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 589th of 16616 | 4,435 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 244th of 24088 | 22,378 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 684th of 23106 | 4,580 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
55.16% 1620th/2937 |
50.82% 1770th/3483 |
- |
35.51% 1436th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
11.67% 430th/3685 |
16.63% 744th/4475 |
14.79% 768th/5194 |
7.84% 495th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
4.34% 199th/4582 |
4.45% 230th/5164 |
3.68% 269th/7313 |
3.38% 252nd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
17.14% 683rd/3984 |
13.97% 627th/4487 |
10.64% 726th/6822 |
10.52% 660th/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Nevada across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, falling for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4712th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1841st out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 589th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 244th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 684th out of 23106 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.