Meaning of Jacob
Supplanter, holder of the heel
About the Name Jacob
Balanced and confident, Jacob is a two-syllable masculine name of Hebrew origin, with roots in the ancient texts of the Old Testament and the rich tradition of biblical names that have crossed religious and cultural boundaries to become truly international, meaning "Supplanter", and a well-established name worldwide - familiar to teachers, grandparents, and peers without feeling overused. "Supplanter" in Hebrew carries a weight that the English translation can only approximate. These ancient names were carried by prophets, matriarchs, and kings - they have been in continuous use for over 3,000 years, a longevity that few naming traditions can match.
The practical question of how Jacob flows with the family surname is worth considering. The name is universally familiar across communities worldwide, easy to spell and pronounce, and carries natural authority in both formal and informal settings. Parents who choose Jacob tend to value a name that is immediately understood, easy to spell, and warm in sound.
Sound & Flow
Jacob is a 2-syllable name. Test it with your family surname to hear how it flows. For example: Tan Jacob, Lim Jacob, or Lee Jacob.
Cultural Context
Biblical in origin and widely used across Christian communities, often alongside a given name in a second language.
Name Style & Tags
Popularity Through History
See all-time rankings →Rank in California top 25 (1 = most popular). Bars represent years the name charted - Hover for rank.
Name Facts & Trivia
Famous People Named Jacob
Prominent figures who share this name - Drawn from global culture, sports, and public life.
Want to discover names with similar fame? Try our name generator.