Jakov

Jakov is a form of the name Jakob, which is primarily common in Croatia and Serbia. The origin of the biblical name lies in the Ancient Hebrew Jaʿakow, although its exact meaning is not definitively clarified.

What does the name Jakov mean?

Jakov, as the Croatian and Serbian variant of Jakob, has its roots in the Ancient Hebrew Jaʿakow. The meanings are not definitive but could include 'God protects' or 'heel holder.' For more detailed information on the various derivations, see the name page for Jakob. The form Jakov is mainly found in Croatia but is also present in other South Slavic countries. Related variants include Jakow, Yakov, and Yakow.

Where does the name Jakov come from?

The name Jakov, like Jakob, originates from the Ancient Hebrew term 'Jaʿakow.' This can be interpreted as a complete sentence meaning 'God protects' or 'May God protect.' Another possible derivation is the Ancient Hebrew word 'akow,' which means 'to hold the heel' (derived from 'akew' for 'heel').

How do you pronounce Jakov?

The pronunciation of Jakov is clear and two-syllabic: it is usually pronounced in German as 'Ja-kov' [ˈjaːkɔf]. The name begins with a long A sound that conveys openness, followed by a distinct hard k. The final consonant gives the name a certain solidity. Jakov radiates strength and tradition - a name with clear contours and a calm presence.

When is the name day of Jakov?

The central name days for Jakov are May 3 (James the Less), July 25 (James the Greater), and October 6 (Patriarch Jacob).

Popularity

In Germany, Jakov is a fairly sought-after first name. Currently, it ranks 503rd on the list of the most common male baby names. Over the last ten years, Jakov has been used about 640 times as a first name, placing it 749th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it ranks 907th. The global popularity and distribution of Jakov is reflected in its rankings in various countries.

Similar first names

Famous people

• Ivan Jakov Dzoni (football player from Croatia)
• Jakov Fak (Slovenian biathlete of Croatian descent)
• Jakov Gojun (handball player from Croatia)
• Jakov Gotovac (composer from Yugoslavia)
• Jakov Grcic (Croatian footballer)
• Jakov Ignjatovic (writer from Serbia)
• Jakov Jozinovic (Croatian singer)
• Jakov Lazarevic Judelevskij (philosopher)
• Jakov Lind (English writer)
• Jakov Nachtailer (Israeli football player)
• Jakov Sedlar (American film director)
• Jakov Surac (footballer from Yugoslavia)
• Jakov Vladovic (Croatian basketball player)
• Jakov Xoxa (writer from Albania)