Yacov
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 29 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
At 5 letters and two syllables, Yacov hits the middle ground most parents look for: long enough to feel complete, short enough for everyday use. It has been used as a boy's name in the U.S. since 1990, with 29 total recorded births.
Yacov is not in the current top 1,000, which means your child is unlikely to share the name with a classmate — a plus for parents who value distinctiveness.
Yacov is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Yacov is a boy's baby name and a Hebrew spelling variant of Jacob, one of the most foundational names in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. The original Hebrew Yaakov means "holder of the heel" or "supplanter," referencing the biblical patriarch who wrestled with an angel and was renamed Israel.
Yacov is the transliteration most closely aligned with the original Hebrew pronunciation, making it a preferred form in many Jewish communities. It carries the full weight of Jacob's biblical story — a name about struggle, transformation, and ultimately blessing. In communities where Hebrew authenticity matters, Yacov is the truest form of a truly ancient name.
EtymologyShow more
The ending of a name often carries more etymological information than the beginning. Yacov's final sounds are sharp, distinct — ending on a consonant gives it a firm, clear close. In English-language naming, masculine names frequently end on harder consonants or closed syllables, creating a sense of decisiveness and strength. Yacov follows that masculine pattern.
Explore the ending-based name pages on this site to find names that share Yacov's suffix pattern — names with similar endings often share a style and era, even when they come from different linguistic backgrounds.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Yacov has 5+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1990.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 6 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 16 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 7 | — |
The Story of Yacov
A Millennial name
Peaking in 1990, Yacov is a Millennial-era classic. Boys named Yacov are most likely born between 1990 and 2000.
How rare is Yacov?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Yacov is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1990, peaked in the 2000s with 16 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(5 years, 1990–2013)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2013 | 6 | #12063 |
| 2005 | 6 | #11423 |
| 2003 | 5 | #12704 |
| 2002 | 5 | #12441 |
| 1990 | 7 | #7162 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yacov a boy's or girl's name?
When was Yacov most popular?
How popular is the name Yacov?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1990–2013