Jacob/James Alternatives
- 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, nearly 17,000 baby boys were named Jackson -- along Jaxon, Jaxson, Jaxxon, Jaxen, Jaxyn, Jaxsen, and Jaxsyn -- which counted together makes it the Number 3 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.
- Jakov
Origin:
Serbian, Croatian variation of Jacob, HebrewMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
A top name in Eastern European countries including Croatia and Bosnia, where it is a transcription of Jacob.
- 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.
- Jameson
Origin:
EnglishMeaning:
"son of James"Description:
This is a strong new James varietal, sometimes shared by girls. An original way to honor Grandpa Jim, Jameson is swiftly moving up the charts, entering the Top 100 for the first time ever in 2017. Jameson is one of the hottest boy names starting with J, still the most popular first initial for boys' names. One small caveat: Jameson is also a brand of whiskey.
- Jamey
Description:
Jamey is a feminine name that originated as a diminutive form of James, though it's also used as a unisex name. When used for girls, it represents a trend of traditionally masculine names being adapted for feminine use. The name James itself comes from the Hebrew name Jacob (Ya'akov), meaning 'supplanter.' Jamey has a friendly, approachable quality with its '-ey' ending, which softens the more formal James. The name gained some popularity in the mid-20th century but remains relatively uncommon for girls today. Jamey offers a balance between familiarity and uniqueness, appealing to parents seeking a name with boyish charm yet suitable for a daughter.
- Jamie
Origin:
Diminutive of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
The cool form of James in the 1970s and '80s for both sexes. Still a more stylish short form than Jimmy, though many parents will want to call James by his entire, not-very-long name.
- Jamie
Origin:
Diminutive of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Jamie is typical of the relaxed unisex names starting with J that seemed so cool in the sixties after decades of Jeans and Joans, though now pretty tepid. Jaime and even Jamey and Jayme are alternate spellings.
- Jamieson
Origin:
Scottish surname, son of JamieDescription:
Though this spelling is not seen too often in the US, it is a common surname spelling in the land of kilts.
- Jamison
Description:
A variation of Jameson. Both names have climbed in popularity in recent years, though Jameson remains the preferred spelling.
- Jaqueline
Description:
Jaqueline is a variant spelling of Jacqueline, a feminine name with French origins. Derived from the masculine name Jacques (the French form of James), it ultimately traces back to the Hebrew name Ya'akov, meaning 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel.' The name gained significant popularity in the United States during the 1960s due to the influence of First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, whose grace and style made a lasting impression on American culture. This particular spelling variant, Jaqueline, omits one of the 'c's found in the traditional French spelling, giving it a slightly simplified appearance while maintaining the same pronunciation. Though less common than the standard spelling, Jaqueline offers a subtle distinction while still carrying the sophisticated and elegant qualities associated with the name.
- Jaxon
Origin:
Spelling variation of JacksonMeaning:
"son of Jack"Description:
Jaxon has been mostly climbing in popularity since it entered the Top 1000 in 1997, proving that many parents have decided to rev up the cool factor of Jackson by giving it this streamlined spelling. (Though we still prefer the original.)
- Jay
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"jaybird"Description:
While Jay has been long used as a stand-alone boy name, it has more recently been used as one for girls. Otherwise, it has largely been seen as a pet form of any J name, or as a singular middle name.
- Jay
Origin:
LatinMeaning:
"jaybird"Description:
Though this feels like a modern invention, Jay has been in use for centuries. Early Jays often were named in honor of founding father John Jay, whose surname derived from the jaybird. A popular mid-century choice, Jay was in the Top 100 from 1956 to 1970. In the last couple of decades he was replaced by such more elaborate forms as Jayden, Jaylen, and Jayce. But Jay could make a comeback in tandem with cousins May, Kay, Fay, and Ray.
- Jayme
Description:
Jayme is a versatile name used for both boys and girls, though traditionally more common for males. It originated as a medieval variant spelling of James, which derives from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter' or 'one who follows.' The distinctive spelling with 'y' and 'e' emerged as a unique variation while maintaining the familiar pronunciation. For boys, Jayme offers a softer alternative to the classic James while preserving its strong heritage. The name has fluctuated in popularity over decades, never reaching top rankings but maintaining steady usage. Its appeal lies in combining traditional roots with a contemporary spelling twist. Jayme bridges formal and casual settings comfortably, offering versatility throughout life. The name's balanced sound and recognizable yet distinctive spelling make it appealing to parents seeking something familiar but not commonplace for their sons.
- Jim
Origin:
English, diminutive of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Peaked in the 1940s, but still an amiable classic, a la Joe and Tom -- though rarely used on its own.
- Jimbo
Description:
Jimbo is a masculine name that originated as a familiar, affectionate nickname for James. With English-American origins, it combines the shortened form 'Jim' with the suffix 'bo,' which was a popular addition to nicknames in the southern United States. This playful diminutive has occasionally been used as a given name in its own right, particularly in the late 20th century when informal names gained acceptance. Jimbo conveys a friendly, approachable quality with a distinctly casual American flair. While not commonly found on birth certificates, it maintains popularity as a nickname and carries associations with down-to-earth warmth and unpretentious charm. The name has folksy appeal and projects an easygoing personality.
- Jimmy
Origin:
Diminutive of JamesMeaning:
"supplanter"Description:
Every other little kid's name in 1957 but few Jameses are called Jimmy today; they're more often James or Jamie.
- Jachmann
- Jackman
- Jackubeck
- Jacme
- Jacobean
- Jacoben
- Jacobine
- Jacobson
- Jacobus
- Jacoby
- Jacquéme
- Jakobus
- Jakoubek
- Koby
Origin:
Polish, diminutive of JacobDescription:
More distinctive nickname for the Number 1 boys' name than the ubiquitous Jake.
- Kobi
- Santiago
Origin:
Place-name or LatinMeaning:
"Saint James"Description:
Santiago is a spirited Spanish name with great crossover potential. It's a place-name (a city in Chile), a surname, and the name of the patron saint of Spain.
- Shamus
Origin:
Anglicized spelling of SéamusDescription:
See SEAMUS.
- Séamus
- 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.
- Thiago
- Xaume
- Yago
Description:
Yago is a masculine name with Spanish and Portuguese origins, functioning as a variant of James (Santiago in Spanish). Derived ultimately from the Hebrew name Ya'akov (Jacob), meaning 'supplanter,' it has biblical connections to both the apostle James and the Old Testament patriarch Jacob. The name carries a distinctive sound with its smooth flow and strong ending. Particularly popular in Galicia, Spain, and in Portuguese-speaking countries, Yago offers cultural richness while remaining relatively uncommon in English-speaking regions. This gives it cross-cultural appeal with a touch of exoticism for international parents. The name's brevity and clear pronunciation make it accessible despite its relative rarity. Yago projects a vibrant, distinctive quality while connecting its bearer to ancient traditions and religious heritage.
- 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.