Jacobs
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 81 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
An English surname originating as a patronymic derived from Jacob.
Jacobs is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, the patronymic form of Jacob, derived from the Hebrew Ya'aqov meaning 'supplanter' or possibly 'may God protect.' As a given name, it follows the American tradition of using surnames directly.
Jacob has been one of the most enduringly popular names in American history — ranking #1 from 1999 to 2012. Jacobs brings that timeless heritage in a surname form with a confident, modern edge.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Jacobs belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their sharp, distinct ending — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. At two syllables, it has a two-beat rhythm that is easy to call across a room and natural in conversation.
Within the Hebrew naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Hebrew names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Jacobs’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Jacobs has 13+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1983.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 25 | #11130 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 16 | #9328 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 22 | #8704 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 18 | #6327 | — |
The Story of Jacobs
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2008, Jacobs is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Jacobs are most likely born between 1998 and 2018.
How rare is Jacobs?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Jacobs is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1983, grew steadily over the decades, peaked in the 2010s with 25 births that decade.
Jacobs by the numbers
- Would fill 2 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(13 years, 1983–2019)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 7 | #10160 |
| 2017 | 5 | #13052 |
| 2015 | 6 | #11236 |
| 2013 | 7 | #10071 |
| 2008 | 11 | #7397 |
| 2001 | 5 | #11259 |
| 1996 | 5 | #9605 |
| 1995 | 5 | #9416 |
| 1992 | 5 | #8969 |
| 1991 | 7 | #6826 |
| 1988 | 7 | #6039 |
| 1986 | 5 | #7162 |
| 1983 | 6 | #5780 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jacobs a boy's or girl's name?
When was Jacobs most popular?
How popular is the name Jacobs?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1983–2019