Jacob: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are cultural celebrations observed in many parts of the world, marking the feast day associated with the saint or spiritual figure that shares the name. These traditional observances often offer an alternative form of personal celebration to a birthday. Jacob is a name of profound ancient Hebrew origin, often interpreted to mean "supplanter." Its overall mood is one of dependable strength and classical appeal, resonating strongly across many generations. Reflecting its widespread usage, Jacob has multiple name days celebrated globally, including dates in Greece, Ukraine, and the United States.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Jacob's name day is celebrated
on April 30 in Greece and Ukraine,
May 1 in Denmark,
July 25 in the USA,
October 9 in Greece,
October 23 in Greece and
December 20 in France.
The Story Behind This Name
Jacob has maintained significant popularity across American history, being a consistently recognizable biblical name. Its usage saw a massive surge starting in the late 20th century, culminating in its reign as the most popular boys' name in the USA from 1999 to 2012. This long period at the top firmly cemented its status as a modern classic. While its ranking has slightly dropped in recent years, it remains firmly within the top tier of names given to American boys. The enduring strength of Jacob illustrates its fundamental appeal to American parents seeking a traditional yet accessible choice.
Name origin and meaning
The name Jacob derives from the ancient Hebrew name Ya'akov, which holds significant historical depth. One common interpretation suggests the meaning "supplanter," often related to the narrative of birth order. Another widely accepted interpretation connects the name to the phrase "holding the heel." Linguistically, it is related to the name James, as James developed as a regional variation of Jacob. Its journey through various languages solidified its form as a staple across Western cultures.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Jacob is overwhelmingly classified worldwide as a traditionally masculine name, used almost exclusively for males across Western societies. In the United States and Europe, its usage for females is extremely uncommon, maintaining its strong male identity. While rare instances of gender-neutral usage might exist, typically as a middle name or modern surname adaptation, it functions predominantly as a robust male identifier. Its long historical usage reinforces this strong association with the male gender. Therefore, for demographic purposes across nearly all regions, Jacob is considered a thoroughly male name.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Jacob carries a mood of reliable strength and grounded tradition. It projects a classic and trustworthy tone, avoiding trendiness while still feeling accessible and current. The vibe is one of thoughtful maturity and enduring resilience, suggesting a character who is steadfast. It can feel serious yet approachable, embodying a balanced temperament. Overall, Jacob delivers a powerful but uncomplicated aesthetic.
A Perfectly Balanced Name with Unique Letters: Jacob
An isogrammic name is a unique type of name where no letter appears more than once. This characteristic makes it visually and structurally distinct, adding to its appeal. Such names are relatively rare, especially those with six or more letters, making them stand out even more. Having an isogrammic name gives it a balanced and harmonious look, making it a special choice.
The Harmonious Dance of Letters: Jacob
Names with a perfect alternation of vowels and consonants create a natural rhythm that is both pleasing to the ear and aesthetically balanced. This structured interplay of sounds gives these names a smooth, flowing character, making them stand out effortlessly. Their symmetry and musicality contribute to their timeless appeal across different languages and cultures.
Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Jacob
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 4 – The Builder
Keywords: Stability, structure, practicality, diligence, discipline
Positive Traits: Hardworking, dependable, detail-oriented, disciplined, loyal
Challenges: Can be rigid, stubborn, or overly cautious
Life Path Meaning: A mission to create a solid foundation through persistence and structure.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 5 - The Adventurer.
Traits: Energetic, freedom-loving, curious, adaptable.
Strengths: Versatile, enjoys new experiences, quick thinker.
Challenges: Can be restless, impulsive, or lack focus.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Uranus - Innovation, Rebellion, Originality.
Uranus governs innovation, change, and forward-thinking. Names under Uranus’ influence often belong to individuals who are unconventional, independent, and visionary. These names resonate with those who challenge norms, embrace individuality, and thrive in creative or technological fields. Uranus-ruled names often suggest uniqueness and originality.
Name days: Name Jacob
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Greece | April | 30 | Argyro, Asimakis, Jacob, Malamati, Matina |
 Ukraine | April | 30 | Jacob, Rachel |
 Denmark | May | 1 | Jacob, Philip, Valborg |
 USA | July | 25 | Coby, Colby, Diego, Israel, Jack, Jackie, Jackson, Jaclyn, Jacob, Jacoby, Jacqueline, Jacquelyn, Jacques, Jaime, Jake, Jakob, James, Jameson, Jamie, Jaquan, Jaqueline, Jaxon, Jaxson, Jim, Jimena, Jimmie, Jimmy, Kobe, Koby, Kolby, Santiago |
| Greece | October | 9 | Iakovos, Jacob |
| Greece | October | 23 | Iakovos, Jacob |
 France | December | 20 | Isaac, Jacob, Théophile |
Name days: Similar names (Jacob)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
Jacob A Classic Biblical Name
Jacob is a supremely popular name in the USA, holding the top spot for over a decade, proving its widespread appeal and historical endurance. Originating from Hebrew, its meaning generally points toward "supplanter" or "holder of the heel." Functionally a strongly masculine name worldwide, it conveys a mood of classical reliability and maturity. This traditional classic boasts widespread celebration, with name days noted across various regions such as France, Denmark, and the USA. Jacob thus stands as a foundational male name, blending ancient heritage with modern ubiquity.
When Is Your Name Day?
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