Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Yaakov is a Hebrew name meaning 'supplanter', originating from the biblical figure Jacob. The name has evolved through various languages, including Latin and Greek, maintaining its significance in Jewish culture. It reflects traits of resilience and leadership and holds biblical relevance as the name of a patriarch.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/jɑˈkɔv/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Yaakov is derived from the Hebrew root 'עקב' (akev), meaning 'to follow' or 'to supplant'. It is commonly interpreted as 'holder of the heel', referring to the biblical Jacob, who was born holding his twin brother Esau's heel.
Meaning
Supplanter
Language Evolution
Yaakov (Hebrew), Jacobus (Latin), Iacobus (Greek), James (English)
Biblical Background
Yaakov is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebecca. He is considered a patriarch of the Israelites.
Historical Usage
The name Yaakov gained popularity in Jewish communities and has remained a common name throughout Jewish history, particularly in religious contexts.
Variants & Derivatives
Jacob, James, Jakob, Yakov
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Yaakov is a popular name among Jewish families and is often associated with strong cultural and religious identity.
Famous People
Yaakov Shwekey (singer), Yaakov Katz (journalist), Yaakov Frank (religious leader)
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 237 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 10 US states, with strongest presence in New Jersey
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 | 3679th of 7552 | 89 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1940th of 10718 | 361 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1307th of 16616 | 1,070 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1281st of 24088 | 1,925 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1063rd of 23106 | 2,325 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- |
44.07% 1071st/2430 |
- | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
19.93% 694th/3483 |
- | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
57.42% 2116th/3685 |
11.02% 493rd/4475 |
39.64% 2059th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
56.22% 2576th/4582 |
7.86% 406th/5164 |
34.94% 2555th/7313 |
33.71% 2516th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
60.99% 2430th/3984 |
6.82% 306th/4487 |
33.70% 2299th/6822 |
35.33% 2217th/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 New Jersey across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the Northeast 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, too falling for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3679th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1940th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1307th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1281st out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1063rd out of 23106 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.