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Jake Boy

Popularity: #385 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationJAYK / /dʒeɪk/

Hebrew; English

Meaning

Hebrew: Supplanter; English: Variant of Jacob

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Jake is derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov (יעקב), which means "supplanter" or "holder of the heel." This name appears in the Hebrew Bible, where Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebecca, is a significant patriarchal figure. The name was later translated into Greek as Iakobos and subsequently into Latin as Jacobus. The transition into Old French as Jacques occurred during the medieval period, which then influenced the English form of the name. The diminutive Jake emerged as a familiar or affectionate form of Jacob, particularly in English-speaking contexts.

Historically, the name Jacob has been prominent in various religious texts and traditions. In the Christian tradition, Jacob is recognized for his role in the Book of Genesis, where he is known for his dream of a ladder reaching to heaven and for wrestling with an angel. This biblical narrative has been influential in both Jewish and Christian cultures, contributing to the name's enduring significance. The name Jacob was widely used in medieval Europe, especially after the popularity of saints named Jacob, such as Saint James, who is often associated with pilgrimage and devotion.

Culturally, the name Jake has been embraced in various literary and artistic works, often symbolizing resilience and determination, reflecting the qualities attributed to its biblical namesake. The name has also been used in folklore and popular culture, further embedding it in the social consciousness. The evolution of Jake from its Hebrew roots through various linguistic transformations illustrates the name's adaptability and lasting appeal across different cultures and eras.

Trend Summary

Jake has consistently been a popular name in the United States, particularly peaking in the 1990s and early 2000s.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Jac
  • Jack

International Variants

  • Jakob (German)
  • Jacques (French)
  • Giacomo (Italian)

Famous people named Jake

Jake Gyllenhaal is an actor best known for Brokeback Mountain, Nightcrawler, and Donnie Darko.

Jake Paul is a social media personality and boxer best known for his YouTube channel, Disney Channel's Bizaardvark, and boxing matches.

Jake Arrieta is a professional baseball player best known for playing with the Chicago Cubs and winning the World Series.

Jake Owen is a country music singer best known for songs like Barefoot Blue Jean Night, Alone with You, and Beachin'.

Jake Tapper is a journalist and author best known for his work with CNN and the book The Outpost.

Fictional characters named Jake

Jake Peralta is a fictional character from the TV series Brooklyn Nine-Nine. He is a talented but immature detective in the NYPD who often relies on his humor and creativity to solve cases.

Jake the Dog is a fictional character from the animated television series Adventure Time. He is a magical dog with the ability to stretch and shape-shift, serving as Finn's loyal companion and protector.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Jake was first seen in the United States in 1880. Jake has ranked as high as #166 nationally, which occurred in 2004, and has been most popular in California, New York, Texas, Florida, and Illinois. In the past 5 years the name Jake has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Jake (2024)

StateBirthsShare
NY 84
13%
TX 82
13%
CA 79
12%
FL 56
9%
PA 30
5%
MA 25
4%
IL 20
3%
MI 18
3%
TN 18
3%
NC 18
3%
VA 17
3%
IN 16
2%
LA 16
2%
MD 15
2%
OH 15
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
188096
188192
188297
188396
188492
1885100
188695
188790
1888107
1889107
189072
189178
1892116
189366
189486
189591
189688
1897102
1898117
189976
1900121
190179
1902102
190393
190478
190592
190683
1907117
1908115
1909109
1910148
1911110
1912187
1913227
1914274
1915355
1916362
1917299
1918377
1919334
1920362
1921360
1922332
1923330
1924306
1925306
1926266
1927272
1928243
1929245
1930221
1931214
1932205
1933199
1934192
1935179
1936194
1937172
1938183
1939184
1940177
1941190
1942198
1943159
1944172
1945165
1946193
1947187
1948174
1949185
1950192
1951179
1952174
1953163
1954169
1955141
1956137
1957154
1958157
1959147
1960156
1961165
1962147
1963154
1964134
1965144
1966121
1967104
1968124
1969138
1970153
1971177
1972266
1973314
1974309
1975334
1976429
1977445
1978449
1979495
1980568
1981593
1982671
1983772
1984748
19851,071
19861,553
19871,639
19881,707
19891,965
19902,227
19912,774
19922,928
19933,196
19943,468
19953,510
19963,449
19973,840
19983,788
19993,936
20004,091
20013,838
20023,792
20034,405
20044,471
20054,153
20064,028
20073,882
20083,795
20093,386
20103,440
20113,110
20122,679
20132,449
20142,171
20151,922
20161,586
20171,503
20181,379
20191,175
20201,035
2021969
2022790
2023782
2024743