Jacob
Meaning: Supplanter; one who follows at the heel
Origin: Hebrew — from Yaakov (יַעֲקֹב), related to akev (heel)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Australia: #34
Total births: 15,705
History: Jacob surged in the 2000s as biblical names became fashionable in Australia. The name has a strong, timeless character. Jacob represents the generation of Australian boys growing up in an increasingly diverse, multicultural society.
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Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Australia’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #42 |
| Babies named Jacob in 2025 | 157 |
| Total recorded in Australia | 15,705 |
| Peak year | 2000 (599 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #10 |
| Years in records | 1982–2025 (44 years of data) |
| Change over last 5 years | ↓ 25 spots |
Frequently asked about Jacob
What does the name Jacob mean?
Jacob means “Supplanter; one who follows at the heel” from Hebrew — from Yaakov (יַעֲקֹב), related to akev (heel) roots.
What is the origin of the name Jacob?
Jacob has Hebrew — from Yaakov (יַעֲקֹב), related to akev (heel) origin. The traditional meaning is “Supplanter; one who follows at the heel”.
How popular is Jacob in Australia?
Jacob ranked #42 in Australia in 2025 — given to 157 babies that year.
When was Jacob most popular?
Jacob peaked in 2000 with 599 babies registered that year in Australia.
Is Jacob a boy or girl name?
Jacob is predominantly a boys' name in Australia — over 90% of Jacobs in registered births are male.
Is the name Jacob rising or falling in popularity?
Jacob has fallen 25 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years in Australia — from #17 in 2020 to #42 in 2025.
How long has Jacob been recorded in Australia?
Jacob appears in birth records in Australia across 44 years — from 1982 through 2025.