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.

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.

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.

Jago is a dashing alternative to overused favorite Jacob.

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.

Kuba is the attractive short form of Jakub, the spelling of Jacob commonly used in Poland. Much more distinctive than Jake!

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.

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.

Akib is a masculine name with Arabic origins, derived from the word 'aqib' meaning 'successor' or 'the one who follows'. It holds significance in Islamic tradition as Al-Aqib was one of the names of the Prophet Muhammad, signifying he was the final prophet. The name is popular in Muslim communities across South Asia, the Middle East, and among Muslim diaspora worldwide. Akib is appreciated for its elegant simplicity, meaningful heritage, and international appeal. While not among the most common names in Western countries, it has gained recognition globally for its distinctive sound and spiritual significance.

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.

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.

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 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.

Iakovos is a masculine name of Greek origin, serving as the Greek form of Jacob. The name traces back to Hebrew roots, meaning 'holder of the heel' or 'supplanter,' referencing the biblical story of Jacob grasping his twin brother's heel at birth. In Greek Orthodox tradition, the name holds particular significance, with Saint Iakovos (James) being one of Jesus's apostles. Pronounced ee-AH-ko-vos, this melodic name retains popularity in Greece and Greek diaspora communities worldwide. The name carries a sense of classical dignity while maintaining relevance in contemporary Greek culture. With its distinctive sound and rich historical background, Iakovos offers a strong connection to Greek heritage while providing a unique alternative to more common Western variants like Jacob or James.

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.

Kubes is an uncommon masculine name with possible Czech or Slavic origins. It may be derived from Jakub (the Czech form of Jacob) as a diminutive or nickname. The name could also have connections to the surname Kubeš, which appears in Czech genealogy. Kubes has a distinctive, modern sound despite its traditional roots. As a first name, it remains extremely rare in global usage, making it an exceptionally unique choice. Parents might be drawn to Kubes for its distinctive sound, brevity, and the way it combines an approachable pronunciation with uncommon status. Its rarity means a child named Kubes would likely have a truly distinctive identity.

Jockel is a masculine German name that originated as a diminutive form of Joachim. The name Joachim has Hebrew roots, meaning 'established by God' or 'may God raise up.' Jockel developed as an affectionate nickname in German-speaking regions, particularly in southern Germany and Austria. While not widely used outside Germanic countries, it has historical significance and represents the tradition of creating familiar, shortened forms of longer biblical names. The name has a folksy, traditional quality that connects to German cultural heritage. Though Jockel has never achieved widespread popularity, it retains a certain charm and cultural specificity that appeals to those with German ancestry or appreciation for distinctive European naming traditions.

One of Jacob’s perkier variations.

What a difference a couple of letters make: Old World version of most popular name never quite made it out of the shtetl.