Yaakov: meaning of the Hebrew name
יַעֲקֹב
Pronounced yah-ah-KOV
Meaning of Yaakov
Yaakov means "the one who holds the heel", from the verse "his hand had hold of Esau's heel". Jacob, the third of the patriarchs, was the father of the twelve tribes.
And after that came forth his brother, and his hand had hold on Esau’s heel; and his name was called Jacob. And Isaac was threescore years old when she bore them.
וְאַחֲרֵי־כֵן יָצָא אָחִיו וְיָדוֹ אֹחֶזֶת בַּעֲקֵב עֵשָׂו וַיִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ יַעֲקֹב וְיִצְחָק בֶּן־שִׁשִּׁים שָׁנָה בְּלֶדֶת אֹתָם׃
Yaakov in Hebrew
Yaakov is written יעקב in Hebrew (with vowel points: יַעֲקֹב). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- יYod
- עAyin
- קQof
- בBet
Gematria value: 182 (Yod 10 + Ayin 70 + Qof 100 + Bet 2)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningholding the heel
- Pronunciationyah-ah-KOV
- Hebrewיעקב
- Syllables3
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Yaakov ranked #18 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (822 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #16, in 2017.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 18 | 822 |
| 2023 | 22 | 755 |
| 2022 | 22 | 764 |
| 2021 | 18 | 789 |
| 2020 | 17 | 805 |
| 2019 | 20 | 771 |
| 2018 | 18 | 824 |
| 2017 | 16 | 879 |
| 2016 | 17 | 804 |
| 2015 | 19 | 784 |
| 2014 | 18 | 765 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Yaakov
What does the name Yaakov mean?
Yaakov means "the one who holds the heel", from the verse "his hand had hold of Esau's heel". Jacob, the third of the patriarchs, was the father of the twelve tribes.
How do you pronounce Yaakov?
Yaakov is pronounced yah-ah-KOV in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Yaakov in Hebrew?
Yaakov is written יעקב in Hebrew (with vowel points: יַעֲקֹב).
Is Yaakov a biblical name?
Yes. Yaakov appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 25:26.
How popular is the name Yaakov in Israel?
In 2024, Yaakov ranked #18 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (822 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #16, in 2017. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Yaakov?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling יעקב adds up to 182 (Yod 10 + Ayin 70 + Qof 100 + Bet 2).
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This name in Hebrew: יעקב
