noun
Common
Jacob
JAY-kuhb
Jacob (noun) means a male given name of Hebrew origin, historically the name of the biblical patriarch and father of the twelve tribes of Israel. Example: “Their son was named Jacob after his grandfather.”
noun
1
A male given name of Hebrew origin, historically the name of the biblical patriarch and father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
"Their son was named Jacob after his grandfather."
How to use Jacob
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA classic biblical male name, also the root behind James and Jacques.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Jacobs
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Etymology
From Hebrew ya'ăqōḇ, traditionally linked to the word for "heel," referencing the biblical account of Jacob grasping his twin brother Esau's heel at birth. A doublet of James and Jacques.
Frequently asked questions
What does “Jacob” mean?
The word “Jacob” means a male given name of Hebrew origin, historically the name of the biblical patriarch and father of the twelve tribes of Israel. In plain terms, a classic biblical male name, also the root behind James and Jacques.
How do you pronounce “Jacob”?
“Jacob” is pronounced JAY-kuhb (/ˈd͡ʒeɪkəb/ in IPA).
How do you use “Jacob” in a sentence?
Here is “Jacob” used in a sentence: “Their son was named Jacob after his grandfather.”
What part of speech is “Jacob”?
“Jacob” is a noun.
Where does the word “Jacob” come from?
The word “Jacob” comes from Hebrew. From Hebrew ya'ăqōḇ, traditionally linked to the word for "heel," referencing the biblical account of Jacob grasping his twin brother Esau's heel at birth. A doublet of James and Jacques.
Is “Jacob” a common word?
“Jacob” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between Jacob and James?
Jacob and James both derive from the same Hebrew name and were once a single form in Latin; English later developed them into two distinct names. Jacob stayed closer to the Hebrew original, while James came through a Latin variant and Old French.
What is Jacob short for, and what are its variants?
Jacob is a full given name rather than a short form, though Jake is a common English nickname for it. Related variants across languages include Jakob, Jacques, Giacomo, and Iago.
Is Jacob a biblical name?
Yes, Jacob is a male given name of Hebrew origin and, in the Bible, is the patriarch traditionally regarded as the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name remains widely used in Jewish, Christian, and secular contexts.
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