Jakov is a name of Slavic origin, specifically from the South Slavic languages. It is derived from the Hebrew name Jacob, which means "supplanter" or "held by the heel". In the Bible, Jacob is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, and he is known for his struggle with God and for receiving the blessing meant for his brother Esau.
The name Jakov has a long history in the Slavic world. It was used among the South Slavs, including the Serbs, Croats, and Slovenes, as well as among the Russians and other Eastern Orthodox Christians. In some regions, Jakov is considered a variant of the name Ivan (John), while in others it is considered distinct.
One notable figure with the name Jakov was Saint Jacob of Serbia, also known as Jakov SPC or Jakov Nemanjić. He was a Serbian prince and later a monk who founded the Hilandar Monastery on Mount Athos in Greece. He is venerated as a saint by the Serbian Orthodox Church.
Today, Jakov is still used in many Slavic countries, but it has also gained popularity elsewhere. It is sometimes spelled as Jake or Jakob, depending on the language and culture. Despite its biblical origins, Jakov is not associated with any particular festivals or celebrations beyond those honoring Saint Jacob of Serbia. Instead, people with this name are simply known for their individual personalities and achievements.
The name Jakov has seen a consistent but relatively low number of births in the United States over the past decade. In 2010, there were 6 babies named Jakov, followed by 5 births in 2013, and another 6 births in 2023. Over this span of time, a total of 17 babies have been named Jakov in the United States. Despite not being one of the most popular names, Jakov remains a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon name for their child.