Jacques is a French masculine given name derived from the Latin word "Iacobus," which means "supplanter" or "held by the heel." This name has been popular in France for centuries, with its usage dating back to at least the Middle Ages.
The name Jacques gained prominence during the reign of Saint Louis (Louis IX) in the 13th century. It was believed that he had a special devotion to James the Great, one of Jesus Christ's twelve apostles and the patron saint of Spain, which may have contributed to its popularity among his contemporaries.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Jacques. Among them are:
* Jacques Cousteau (1910-1997), a French explorer, conservationist, and filmmaker known for his innovations in marine exploration.
* Jacques-Yves Cousteau (1910-1996), son of Jacques Cousteau, he was also a French explorer, oceanographer, and film director.
* Jacques Chirac (1932-2019), a French politician who served as President of France from 1995 to 2007.
The name Jacques remains popular in France today and is often given the spellingJacques or Giacometto when used as a surname. Its popularity can be attributed not only to its historical significance but also to its sound, which many consider melodic and pleasant. Despite its French origins, Jacques has also gained recognition worldwide and can be found among various cultures and nationalities.
In terms of numerology, the name Jacques is associated with the number 5, which signifies adventure, freedom, and versatility. This association may or may not reflect the personalities of those bearing this name but adds an interesting dimension to its interpretation.
Overall, Jacques is a classic French given name with a rich history and meaningful origin that has stood the test of time, continuing to be chosen by parents for their newborn sons today.
The name Jacques experienced a significant increase in popularity between the late 1800s and the mid-1900s, with the highest number of births (170) occurring in 1969. Since then, its usage has declined steadily, reaching an all-time low of 53 births in 2022. Over the entire period from 1888 to 2023, a total of 9591 children were named Jacques at birth.