JACOBS
Jacobs
The surname Jacobs is of English and Dutch origin, deriving from the personal name "Jacob" or "Jakob", which itself is a variant of the Hebrew name "Yaakov", meaning "supplanter" or "holder of the heel". The name is borne in the Bible by the second son of Isaac and Rebecca, and later became a popular given name among Jewish communities.
The surname Jacobs is a patronymic, meaning "son of Jacob" and signifies descent from an ancestor named Jacob. The name is widespread across various English-speaking countries, but particularly common in Britain, where it has a long history.
Individuals bearing the surname Jacobs have made notable contributions in various fields, including academia, literature, politics, and the arts. The name has been prominent in the British Jewish community and has been associated with numerous distinguished figures.
Variants of the surname Jacobs include Jacob, Jacobson, Jacobi, and Jacoby. Over time, the surname has evolved through different spellings and pronunciations, reflecting the linguistic changes and influences that have shaped the English language.
The surname Jacobs embodies a rich heritage and diverse legacy, reflecting the complex tapestry of British society and its historical connections with Jewish culture and traditions.
References:
- Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Oxford University Press.
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 16,925 people named Jacobs in the UK. That makes it the 525th most common surname in Britain. Around 260 in a million people in Britain are named Jacobs.
Surname type: From name of parent
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Andrew
- Anthony
- Daniel
- David
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Stephen
Female
- Claire
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Helen
- Karen
- Linda
- Lisa
- Margaret
- Patricia
- Sandra
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.