WorldNameData

Jacob

Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings

Origin:Hebrew
How to pronounce the name Jacob
Pronunciation guide for Jacob
ARPA
JH EY1 K AH0 B
IPA
ˈʤeɪkəb

Pronunciation Breakdown

Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Jacob

Syllables (2)

JH EY1 K AH0 B

Bold syllables indicate primary stress

Sound Breakdown

JH
gee (dʒ)
EY1
ate (eɪ)
K
key (k)
AH0
hut (ʌ)
B
bee (b)

International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)

ˈʤeɪkəb

Standard international representation

Pronunciation Tips

• Jacob has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.

• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.

Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Jacob

Structure

Character Count
5
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
40%
Name Family
jacob

Usability

Pronunciation Difficulty2/10

Easy to pronounce

International Friendliness10/10

Works well across languages

DNA profile of the name Jacob
Unique character and personality of the name Jacob

Name Personality

The Classic
Classic
Timeless
Strong

Key Characteristics

Length
Medium

Balanced and versatile

Rhythm
Flowing

Balanced rhythm

Sound
Balanced

Mix of vowels and consonants

Ease
Simple

Easy for most speakers

Global
Universal

Works across cultures

Heritage
jacob

Part of this name family

Letter Frequency

j×1
a×1
c×1

Most frequent letters in Jacob

Visual Pattern

Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants

Name Statistics

📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Very Easy
2/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison

How does Jacob compare to the average name?

Jacob2/10 😊
2.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0

Jacob is easier than average by 3.0 points.

Difficulty Scale:

Very Easy (0–2)← Jacob
Easy (2–4)
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Name Family

Names related to Jacob (root: jacob)

Current Name

Jacob

Related Names (9)

Short variations:

Jaco

Long variations:

Jacob-charles
Jacob-dean
Jacob-james
Jacob-jay
Jacob-john
Jacob-lee
Jacob-rhory
Jacob-scott

Jacob belongs to a family of 10 related names.

What does the name Jacob mean?
The meaning and origin of Jacob
English

noun 1. French biochemist who (with Jacques Monod) studied regulatory processes in cells (born in 1920)

Historical Reference

noun 2. (Old Testament) son of Isaac; brother of Esau; father of the twelve patriarchs of Israel; Jacob wrestled with God and forced God to bless him, so God gave Jacob the new name of Israel (meaning `one who has been strong against God')

Various

Jacob

Various

Jacob

Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Jacob's meanings

Primary Theme

📖
Descriptive

Based on origin, place, or historical context

Theme Distribution

Aspirational
1
Descriptive
2

Key Themes

god
strong
god')
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Jacob

Life Path Number

4
The Builder

Grounded individuals who create stable foundations through dedication and effort.

Practical
Organized
Reliable
Hardworking

Most Common Letters

j×1
a×1
c×1
o×1
b×1

Sound Composition

Vowels
2(40%)
Consonants
3(60%)

Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong

Numerology Breakdown

j1
a1
c3
o6
b2

Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.

Notable People Named Jacob
Famous individuals named Jacob
👤

Jakob Böhme

German Christian mystic and theologian (1575-1624)

Born: 1575

👤

Jacob Denner

German woodwind instrument maker

Born: 1681

👤

Jacob Grimm

German philologist, linguist, jurist and mythologist (1785–1863)

Born: 1785

👤

Jacob Wackernagel

Swiss linguist (1853-1938)

Born: 1853

👤

Jacob Hübner

German entomologist (1761–1826)

Born: 1761

How popular is the name Jacob?
Popularity rankings for Jacob around the world
CountryGenderRankYears
Australiaboy#232019-2019
Canadaboy#132018-2018
Denmarkboy#362014-2014
Franceboy#4652018-2018
Irelandboy#382019-2019
Netherlandsboy#1192019-2019
New Zealandboy#272019-2019
Norwayboy#532018-2018
Swedenboy#962019-2019
United Kingdomboy#112018-2018
United Statesboy#132018-2018
Country Comparison
How Jacob ranks across different countries

Showing top 10 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)

What names are similar to Jacob?
Names similar to Jacob
JacoJacobJacob-charlesJacob-deanJacob-jamesJacob-jayJacob-johnJacob-leeJacob-rhoryJacob-scott
What words rhyme with the name Jacob?
Rhyming words for Jacob

No rhyming words found for Jacob.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you pronounce Jacob?
IPA: /ˈʤeɪkəb/ ARPA: JH EY1 K AH0 B This name is very easy to pronounce.
How many syllables are in Jacob?
Jacob has 2 syllables.
Is Jacob easy to pronounce?
Yes, Jacob is very easy to pronounce. It has simple, common sounds that most people can say without difficulty.
Is Jacob easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Jacob is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
Who are some famous people named Jacob?
There are 100 notable people named Jacob. This name has significant cultural presence and recognition.
What names are similar to Jacob?
Names similar to Jacob include: Jaco, Jacob-charles, Jacob-dean, Jacob-james, Jacob-jay. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Jacob a good baby name?
Jacob makes an excellent baby name! It's easy to pronounce and internationally friendly, making it a great choice for parents looking for these qualities in a name.
Is Jacob a boy or girl name?
Jacob can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Jacob?
The name is spelled J-a-c-o-b. Common spelling variations include: Jaco, Jacob-charles, Jacob-dean.
What are common nicknames for Jacob?
Common nicknames for Jacob include: Jac, Jacoy, Jacie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Jacob mean?
The name Jacob has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "Jacob n 1: French biochemist who (with Jacques Monod) studied regulatory processes in cells (born in 1920) [syn: {Jacob}, {Francois Jacob}] 2: (Old Testament) son of Isaac; brother of Esau; father of the twelve patriarchs of Israel; Jacob wrestled with God and forced God to bless him, so God gave Jacob the new name of Israel (meaning `one who has been strong against God')" and "Jacob /ʒakɔb/ Jacob". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
What middle names go well with Jacob?
Middle names that pair well with Jacob include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Jacob?
Sibling names that pair well with Jacob include: Jaco, Jacob-charles, Jacob-dean, Jacob-james. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Jacob?
Yes, Jacob is very straightforward to pronounce. Teachers and other adults will have no difficulty with this name. It uses common sound patterns that are familiar to most English speakers.
What culture is the name Jacob from?
Jacob originates from French culture. French names reflect the romance language heritage of France, often influenced by Latin, Germanic, and Celtic origins. French naming traditions emphasize elegance and historical continuity. Understanding a name's cultural origin provides insight into its deeper significance and the traditions it represents.
Is Jacob suitable for a professional career?
Jacob is well-suited for professional contexts. It's easy to pronounce in professional settings and internationally friendly for global careers. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Jacob a long or short name?
Jacob is a short name with 5 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Jacob?
Common spelling variations of Jacob include: Jaco. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Jacob and Jaco?
Jacob and Jaco are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Jacob is spelled Jacob while Jaco is spelled Jaco. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.