Boy · 244th of 24,088
Jakob
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
31,821
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2001
Peak Popularity Year
2,192
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Jakob stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
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
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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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
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |