Jacob/James Alternatives
By elnombre
Updated Thu May 25 2023
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- Coby
Origin:
English, diminutive of Coburn or Jacob or JacobyDescription:
Actor Coby Bell gives this short but sweet name a hefty amount of street cred. Can also be spelled Koby or Kobe, as in Kobe Bryant.
- Cobus
- 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.
- Giacobo
Description:
Giacobo is a masculine name of Italian origin, representing an uncommon variant of Giacomo, which is the Italian form of James. Ultimately, these names derive from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' Giacobo maintains the melodic quality characteristic of Italian names while having a distinctive and somewhat rare form. The name is not widely used outside of Italian-speaking regions and even within Italy, it's considered an archaic or regional variant. Giacobo carries a romantic, old-world charm with its flowing syllables and distinctive ending. For parents seeking an authentic Italian name with classical roots but uncommon usage, Giacobo offers a distinctive choice that connects to widespread naming traditions.
- 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.
- Hemi
- Iago
Origin:
Welsh and Galician variation of James and JacobDescription:
Iago, the villain of Shakespeare's Othello, was so treacherously evil that his name has hardly ever been heard offstage. Try the much-more-benign Inigo.
- Israel
Origin:
HebrewMeaning:
"he who struggles with God"Description:
Though it was used by the Puritans in the sixteenth century, the founding of the modern Jewish state in 1948 transformed Israel from a traditional favorite into an icon of Judaism.
- Iacób
- Iacómus
- Jack
Origin:
English, diminutive of JohnMeaning:
"God is gracious"Description:
Jack may have fallen from its Number 1 place in England, but in the US it's as popular as it was at its height in the 1920s and 1930s. A durable, cheery, everyman form of John, Jack ranks as one of the most popular boy names starting with J.
- Jacki
Description:
Jacki is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of Jacqueline, which itself is the female equivalent of Jacques, the French form of Jacob. The name ultimately derives from Hebrew origins meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' Jacki emerged as a popular nickname-style given name particularly during the mid-20th century, reflecting the trend toward casual, approachable names with a friendly feel. The spelling variation with an 'i' ending gives it a distinctive, playful quality compared to versions like Jackie or Jacky. While less commonly used as a formal given name today, Jacki maintains a spirited, energetic character that feels simultaneously vintage and accessible. The name evokes associations with creativity and vivaciousness, appealing to parents seeking a name with informal charm.
- Jackson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of Jack"Description:
Jackson is one of those names that's much more popular than you think, coming in near the top of our annual Playground Analysis, which ranks names by grouping all their spellings together. Last year, more than 13,000 baby boys were named Jackson -- along Jaxon, Jaxson, Jaxxon, Jaxen, Jaxyn, Jaxsen, and Jaxsyn -- which counted together makes it the Number 5 boys' name.
- Jacobo
Origin:
Spanish variation of JacobDescription:
Charming way to freshen up Jacob.
- Jacoby
Origin:
Variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jacoby, a surname spin on Jacob shot up the charts in the middle of the 2000's, thanks largely to the popularity of Jacoby Ellsbury, the first Native American of Navajo descent in the Major Leagues, but has been dropping steadily since it peaked at Number 423 in 2008. As of 2022, it dropped out of the US Top 1000 and is given to around 170 boys each year.
- Jacqueline
Origin:
French, feminine diminutive of JacquesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jacqueline originated as a feminine form of Jacques, the French variation of James, and therefore Jacob. Jacob was ultimately derived from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, and gets its meaning, "supplanter" from the story of Jacob supplanting his brother Esau as the first-born son in the Bible. Jacqueline was first used in France in the Middle Ages.
- 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.
- Jake
Origin:
Hebrew, diminutive of JacobMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
This unpretentious, accessible, and optimistic ("everything's jake" -- meaning OK) short form of the top name Jacob is itself widely used, though more parents these days are opting for the full name Jacob. Jake (born Jacob) Gyllenhall is its most prominent current bearer.
- 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.
- Jakobe
Description:
Jakobe represents a modern variant spelling of Jacob, which derives from Hebrew meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' This contemporary spelling combines traditional roots with distinctive orthography. While traditionally a masculine name, this entry identifies it as feminine, representing the growing trend of gender-crossing names. The addition of the final 'e' softens the name, potentially enhancing its appeal as a female option. Jakobe remains relatively uncommon regardless of gender, offering uniqueness while maintaining connection to the widely recognized biblical name Jacob. Parents choosing this spelling often seek to preserve traditional meaning while creating a more distinctive identity.