International Variations of Jacob
The Number 1 boy's name in the US from 1999 until 2012, the Biblical Jacob also translates into many other cultures across the globe.
There are several handsome forms of Jacob used internationally, such Cornish Jago, Polish Kuba, Italian Giacomo, and French Jacques.
Here is our full list of international variations of Jacob, ordered by their current popularity on Nameberry.
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- Jacob
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Biblical Jacob ceded his Number 1 spot to biblical Noah, in 2013, after holding first place on the list of baby boy names from 1999 to 2012, given a huge boost by the Twilight phenomenon.
- Hamish
Origin:
Scottish variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Just as Seamus/Seumus is Irish for James, Hamish is the Scottish form — one that's not often used here, but still redolent of Olde Scotland. If you're ready to go further than Duncan and Malcolm, out to Laird and Ewan territory, this may be worth consideration. It also sounds just like the Yiddish word for homey.
- Diego
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
The energetic Diego is rising rapidly along with a lot of other authentically Spanish baby names that work perfectly well with surnames of any origin.
- Tiago
Origin:
Portuguese diminutive of Santiago, LatinMeaning:
"Saint James"Description:
Tiago, also spelled Thiago, is a popular Portuguese boys' name. Derived from the more formal Santiago, these days it is often used on its own. Relaxed and charming while still maintaining the sophistication of its long form, Tiago is popular in its native Portugal, but also in France, Belgium, Brazil, and the UK.
- Jago
Origin:
Spanish and Cornish variation of JacobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jago is a dashing alternative to overused favorite Jacob.
- Jaime
Origin:
Spanish variation of JamesDescription:
A Hispanic classic that has lost some momentum in recent years. It could be misunderstood by some as Jamie -- which is how it's pronounced on Game of Thrones.
- Jacques
Origin:
French variation of James and JacobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Regal and ancient feeling, Jacques has been declining in popularity in its native France, but in the UK, it saw a surprising revival in 2022. Jumping from somewhere around the #2500 mark straight to #600, it was seven times more popular than in 2021.
- Giacomo
Origin:
Italian variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Giacomo is a primo member of the Giovanni-Gino-Giancarlo-Giacomo gruppo of Italian names that are beginning to be adopted by American parents. Singer/creative baby namer Sting chose it for his son.
- Jokubas
Description:
Jokubas is the Lithuanian form of Jacob, a name with ancient Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel,' referring to the biblical story of Jacob grasping his twin brother's heel at birth. This distinctive Lithuanian variant maintains the name's rich heritage while offering a unique cultural connection. In Lithuania, Jokubas has enjoyed moderate popularity through generations, representing both religious significance and cultural identity. The name's three syllables create a rhythmic, distinctive sound that sets it apart from international variants like Jacob, Jacques, or Santiago. While relatively uncommon outside Lithuania, it offers families with Lithuanian heritage a way to honor their cultural roots while giving their son a name with historical depth and biblical significance.
- Jakob
Origin:
German, Norwegian, and Slovenian variation of Jacob, Hebrew variation of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
After cracking the US Top 200 in the early 2000s, fueled by Jacob's rise, this name has been losing steam in recent years. But Jakob is the top form of the name in many other countries, cultures, and languages, ranking highly in Germany, Norway, Austria, Iceland, and Slovenia. Jakub is the Polish variation.
- Kuba
Origin:
Short form of Jakub, Polish, Czech, and Slovak variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Kuba is the attractive short form of Jakub, the spelling of Jacob commonly used in Poland. Much more distinctive than Jake!
- Jaco
Origin:
Portuguese variation of JacobDescription:
Intriguing twist on Jacob, but may be too strongly associated with Michael Jackson.
- Giaco
Description:
Giaco is a charming masculine name of Italian origin, serving as a diminutive form of Giacomo, which is the Italian equivalent of James. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning "supplanter" or "holder of the heel." Giaco has a warm, friendly sound with its soft 'G' and ending 'o' that's characteristic of Italian names. While more common in Italy and Italian-speaking communities, Giaco remains relatively rare in English-speaking countries, offering a distinctive yet accessible option for parents seeking a name with Mediterranean flair. Its brevity makes it practical while still carrying rich cultural heritage.
- Jacopo
Origin:
Italian variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
One of Jacob’s perkier variations.
- Jakub
Origin:
Polish, Czech, and Slovak variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jakub is an authentic Polish variation of the megapopular Jacob, but in the US it will feel like a kree8tiv spelling. Kuba is the cute Polish short form.
- Jakub
Origin:
Polish, Czech, and Slovak variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jakub is an authentic Polish variation of the megapopular Jacob, but in the US it will feel like a kree8tiv spelling. Kuba is the cute Polish short form.
- Yakov
Origin:
Russian variation of JacobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
What a difference a couple of letters make: Old World version of most popular name never quite made it out of the shtetl.
- Jasha
Description:
Jasha is a versatile name with multiple cultural origins. In Slavic countries, particularly Russia, it functions as a diminutive of Yakov (Jacob), meaning "supplanter." In Hebrew tradition, it can be a variant of Yasha, derived from "yeshua" meaning "salvation." The name also appears in Indian culture with different meanings. With its soft sound and international appeal, Jasha has gained modest popularity as a given name for boys, though it remains relatively uncommon in Western countries. The name has a warm, approachable quality that crosses cultural boundaries, making it appealing to parents seeking something distinctive yet accessible. Its brevity and ending with 'a' gives it a gentle, melodic quality.
- Jouko
Description:
Jouko is a masculine Finnish name with deep cultural roots in Nordic tradition. The name may derive from elements meaning 'lord' or 'god' in ancient Finnish, suggesting strength and reverence. Relatively common in Finland but quite rare elsewhere, Jouko carries a distinctive Nordic character that reflects Finland's unique linguistic heritage. The name has a melodic quality with its balanced vowels and consonants, making it accessible despite being unfamiliar to many outside Finland. Jouko represents a connection to Finnish cultural identity and mythology, where names often carried significant symbolic meaning. For those seeking a name with authentic Nordic heritage and a distinctive sound, Jouko offers a genuine cultural option that remains uncommon but pronounceable in international contexts.
- Jakiv
Description:
Jakiv is a masculine name of Ukrainian and Slavic origin, serving as a cultural variant of Jacob or Yakov. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, meaning 'holder of the heel' or 'supplanter.' Jakiv maintains strong connections to Eastern European heritage and Orthodox Christian traditions. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, it remains more prevalent in Ukraine and among Ukrainian diaspora communities. The name's distinctive spelling reflects the transliteration from the Cyrillic alphabet. Parents choosing Jakiv often seek to honor Ukrainian ancestry or appreciate its distinctive yet recognizable quality as an alternative to more common Jacob variants.