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.
- Jago
Origin:
Spanish and Cornish variation of JacobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jago is a dashing alternative to overused favorite Jacob.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kuba
Origin:
Short form of JakubDescription:
Kuba is the attractive short form of Jakub, the spelling of Jacob commonly used in Poland. Much more distinctive than Jake!
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Kobi
Description:
Kobi is a masculine name with multicultural origins. In Hebrew, it's a diminutive of Jacob (meaning 'supplanter') or a variant of Koby, sometimes used as a nickname for Yaakov. The name gained recognition through basketball legend Kobe Bryant, though his name has different Japanese origins. Kobi also appears in African naming traditions, particularly in Ghana. The name is appreciated for its brevity, modern sound, and cross-cultural appeal. While not among the most common names in Western countries, Kobi has seen increased usage since the 1990s. Its international versatility and contemporary feel make it attractive to parents seeking a name that works well across different cultures while remaining distinctive and memorable.
- Kubo
Origin:
JapaneseMeaning:
"sunken ground"Description:
The lead character of the Oscar-nominated 2016 film "Kubo and the Two Strings" lives in Edo-period Japan, but his name is more often heard as a surname in Japan. Still, fans of the animated movie may want to consider it.
- Jaco
Origin:
Portuguese variation of JacobDescription:
Intriguing twist on Jacob, but may be too strongly associated with Michael Jackson.
- 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.
- Kubik
Description:
Kubik is a masculine name with Slavic origins, particularly common in Polish contexts. It typically functions as a surname rather than a given name in its original culture. The name derives from 'kuba' or 'jakub' (Jacob), with the diminutive suffix '-ik' added, essentially meaning 'little Jacob' or 'son of Jacob.' Kubik also has mathematical associations, as 'kubik' means 'cubic' in several Slavic languages. As a first name, it remains extremely rare globally, offering significant distinctiveness. The name has a crisp, modern sound with its two syllables and strong consonants. Kubik might appeal to parents with Slavic heritage seeking a connection to their roots or to those simply drawn to its uncommon, contemporary feel and interesting cultural background.
- 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.
- Akib
Description:
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.
- Jacopo
Origin:
Italian variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
One of Jacob’s perkier variations.