Declining since 1997, #1,932 for boys today.
Popularity of Jacques since 1888
Babies named Jacques per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 6 |
| 1890s | 14 |
| 1900s | 14 |
| 1910s | 204 |
| 1920s | 418 |
| 1930s | 307 |
| 1940s | 413 |
| 1950s | 800 |
| 1960s | 1,221 |
| 1970s | 1,307 |
| 1980s | 1,337 |
| 1990s | 1,464 |
| 2000s | 1,081 |
| 2010s | 769 |
| 2020s | 379 |
Meaning & origin
Jacques, the French form of Jacob, has seen declining usage in the United States since its peak in 1973. In 2025, it ranked 1,932nd in popularity, with approximately 1 in every 21,351 boys receiving the name. This represents a continued fall from earlier decades, with the trajectory showing a steady decrease since 1997. The name has historically been most common in states with strong French cultural ties, particularly Louisiana (LA), Florida (FL), and New York (NY). Despite its decline, Jacques remains a classic choice that carries a sense of French heritage and gravitas.
Jacques is the French form of Jacob, which ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov. The meaning of Jacob is traditionally interpreted as 'supplanter' or 'heel-grabber,' referencing the biblical story of Jacob born holding his twin brother Esau's heel. In France, Jacques has been a classic name for centuries, associated with the French common man (as in 'Jacques Bonhomme') and numerous saints.
Where Jacques is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Jacques” around the world
Where Jacques lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
145
babies in 2024
Quebec
6
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jack, Jake
Sibling names for Jacques
Names that share Jacques's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Marie, Charlotte, Sophie, Claire, Juliette, Cherie, Jacquelin, Jeanette, Jeanne, Marianne, Renee, Babette, Denyse, Jackqueline, Jacquie, Jaquelin, Lizzette, Micheline, Annett, Francoise, Jacquita, Rochele, Susette, Ange, Chantalle, Eyvonne, Jaquelyne, Machele, Suzane, Anquinette, Jacqulene, Yvone
Brothers: Jean, Pierre, André, Louis, Philippe, Antoine, Denis, Francois, Antione, Jeanpaul, Antoin, Jeanclaude
