Yacob
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 202 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
If you're considering Yacob, you're looking at a name that fewer than 202 families have ever chosen in the U.S. That kind of rarity is intentional — it signals that the name was chosen for its sound, its personal meaning, or a family connection rather than a trend.
The sharp, distinct ending gives Yacob a direct, strong feel that works well in both playground and boardroom.
In the most recent SSA release, Yacob ranks #9811 among U.S. boy names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Yacob is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a variant transliteration of Jacob — from the Hebrew Yaakov, meaning 'supplanter' or 'he who follows at the heel.' This spelling is particularly common in Ethiopian and Eritrean communities, where Jacob/Yaqob is a traditional Christian name.
With 202 recorded U.S. births, Yacob is primarily found in Ethiopian American communities, where it reflects the Ethiopic rendering of one of the Hebrew Bible's most significant patriarchs — the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Yacob is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1990–2024). Its Hebrew roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Today, Yacob is an active part of the American naming landscape (ranked #9811), continuing to accumulate its own cultural meaning with each new child who carries it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Yacob climbed 1490 spots in the last 20 years — from #11301 to #9811.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 32 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 106 | ▲ |
| 2000s | 52 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 12 | — |
The Story of Yacob
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2017, Yacob is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Yacob are most likely born between 2007 and 2024.
How rare is Yacob?
Only about 1 in every 450,000 babies born in 2024 was named Yacob — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1990, peaked in the 2010s with 106 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Yacob by the numbers
- Would fill 4 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(25 years, 1990–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 8 | #9811 |
| 2023 | 9 | #8880 |
| 2022 | 5 | #14234 |
| 2021 | 5 | #13991 |
| 2020 | 5 | #13960 |
| 2019 | 13 | #6748 |
| 2018 | 13 | #6687 |
| 2017 | 18 | #5285 |
| 2016 | 8 | #9618 |
| 2015 | 10 | #8012 |
| 2014 | 12 | #7030 |
| 2013 | 6 | #12062 |
| 2012 | 9 | #8835 |
| 2011 | 7 | #10742 |
| 2010 | 10 | #8108 |
| 2009 | 5 | #14429 |
| 2008 | 5 | #14531 |
| 2007 | 9 | #8886 |
| 2006 | 9 | #8696 |
| 2004 | 6 | #11301 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yacob a boy's or girl's name?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1990–2024