Jacob is a popular given name of Hebrew origin, meaning "held by the heel." It's often associated with the biblical figure of Jacob, who wrestled with an angel and received the name Israel from God. This name has been widely used throughout history and across cultures, including in the English-speaking world.
The name Jacob was particularly prevalent among early settlers in North America, giving rise to numerous notable figures bearing this name, such as former U.S. President Jacob Grizzard Jr., also known as Jake Jerrard, who served two terms from 1893 to 1897 and again from 1905 to 1909.
In literature, Jacob is the protagonist in Emily Brontë's classic novel "Wuthering Heights," published in 1847. The name has also been used in various other works of fiction, including the popular series "Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer, where Jacob Black is a main character.
The name Jacob has consistently ranked among the top 500 names for boys in the United States since the mid-20th century, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over time. It reached its peak popularity during the early 21st century but remains a widely used and beloved name today.
In different languages, the name Jacob is often translated or adapted as follows: Ya'akov (Hebrew), Yakob (Arabic), Santiago (Spanish), Giacomo (Italian), Jakob (German), and Jakobus (Dutch). This demonstrates the name's universality and its appeal across diverse cultures.
The name Jacob experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 70s to the mid-80s, peaking with 90 births in 1987. However, it has since declined steadily, with only 6 births recorded in 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 2296 births named Jacob since 1911.