Rising since 1992, #1,024 for boys today.
Popularity of Yaakov since 1948
Babies named Yaakov per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 6 |
| 1950s | 59 |
| 1960s | 85 |
| 1970s | 260 |
| 1980s | 624 |
| 1990s | 752 |
| 2000s | 1,170 |
| 2010s | 1,728 |
| 2020s | 1,307 |
Meaning & origin
Yaakov, the Hebrew original of Jacob, stands as a conservative yet steadily rising choice in the United States. First recorded in 1948, the name has seen a long upward trajectory since 1992, reaching its peak rank in 2023 at 1024th position. In the most recent data, approximately 1 in every 7835 newborn boys receives the name Yaakov, reflecting its enduring appeal within Jewish communities. The name is most common in states with large Orthodox populations, including New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. Yaakov carries deep biblical resonance while maintaining a distinct cultural identity, avoiding the Anglicized Jacob or Jakov variants. Its consistent growth over decades signals a name that is both traditional and resilient in modern usage.
Yaakov is the Hebrew original of Jacob, from the root עקב (aqev, 'heel') or possibly from the verb עקב (aqav, 'to follow, to supplant'). In the Book of Genesis, Jacob was born holding his twin brother Esau's heel, and later obtained his birthright and blessing through cunning. The name has been used by Jewish families for millennia and remains common in Israel and the diaspora.
Where Yaakov 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.
“Yaakov” around the world
Where Yaakov lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yankel, Kobi
Sibling names for Yaakov
Names that share Yaakov's style, for a brother or sister.
