Yaakov

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Yaakov

Gender Boy
Origin Hebrew
Letters 6
Syllables 2
Pronunciation YAH-kov

Yaakov, which has 6 letters and 2 syllables, is a male name of Hebrew origin.

Meaning of Yaakov

One who supplants

Yaakov is a Hebrew name meaning “heel” or “supplanter.” It also has the connotation of “one who follows” or “one who supplants.” The name is derived from the Hebrew word Ya'aqov, which literally means “heel” and is the name of the Biblical patriarch Jacob.

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Meaning One who supplants
Origin Hebrew
Gender Boy
Popularity (US) #974 in 2024 Declining
Rarity (US) Rare (Top 1000)
Era 80s name

Background & History of The Name Yaakov

The name 'Yaakov' is of Hebrew origin and holds significant meaning in Jewish culture. Yaakov is the Hebrew version of the name Jacob, which appears in the Bible numerous times. In Hebrew, the name Yaakov (יעקב) is derived from the root word "Akev," meaning to follow or to supplant. As per the biblical narrative, Yaakov was the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and the twin brother of Esau. He became one of the patriarchs of the Israelites and fathered twelve sons, who eventually formed the twelve tribes of Israel.

The name Yaakov is often associated with a particular story from the Bible, where he wrestled with an angel until daybreak. During the wrestling match, Yaakov's name was changed to Israel, which means "one who wrestles with God." This event symbolized his struggles and ultimate triumph in both a physical and spiritual sense.

Yaakov is a popular name among Jews and holds great cultural significance. In Jewish tradition, the name Yaakov represents strength, perseverance, and a connection to spiritual matters. Many notable figures throughout history have been named Yaakov, which further validates its importance. The name has also been adapted into different variations, such as Yakov in Russian and Jacob in English.

Furthermore, the name Yaakov continues to be widely used in contemporary Jewish communities. It is considered an honor to name a child after a loved one or a respected figure from the family's history. This practice helps to maintain a strong sense of tradition and keeps the name Yaakov alive through generations.

Popularity Over Time

US Social Security Administration data showing the rank of Yaakov over the years.

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