Jacob
Meaning: Supplanter; one who follows at the heel
Origin: Hebrew — from Yaakov (יַעֲקֹב), related to akev (heel)
Gender: Boy
Rank in Ireland: #131
Total births: 2,916
History: Jacob became a favourite in Irish households during the cultural renaissance that followed the Easter Rising of 1916. The name symbolised hope and renewal for a generation building a new nation. It has been cherished from the hills of Donegal to the streets of Limerick ever since.
Explore more at Irish Baby Names on BabyNa.me
Look at the data
Every number here comes directly from Ireland’s birth records. No estimates, no averages — just the counts.
| Current rank (2025) | #62 |
| Babies named Jacob in 2025 | 88 |
| Total recorded in Ireland | 2,916 |
| Peak year | 2016 (195 babies) |
| Highest rank ever | #37 |
| Years in records | 1980–2025 (40 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 Ireland?
Jacob ranked #62 in Ireland in 2025 — given to 88 babies that year.
When was Jacob most popular?
Jacob peaked in 2016 with 195 babies registered that year in Ireland.
Is Jacob a boy or girl name?
Jacob is predominantly a boys' name in Ireland — 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 Ireland — from #37 in 2020 to #62 in 2025.
How long has Jacob been recorded in Ireland?
Jacob appears in birth records in Ireland across 40 years — from 1980 through 2025.