The name Jacques is a French masculine given name derived from the Latin name Iacobus, which means "supplanter" or "hold by the heel." This name was popular among the Normans who brought it to England in the 11th century.
Jacques was also the name of several notable historical figures. Saint Jacques, also known as James the Greater, was one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and is considered the patron saint of Spain. He is believed to have been beheaded by King Herod Agrippa I in Jerusalem around 44 AD.
The name Jacques was also borne by French philosopher and mathematician René Descartes, who was known for his famous phrase "Cogito, ergo sum" ("I think, therefore I am"). Additionally, Jacques Cousteau, the renowned French ocean explorer, conservationist, and filmmaker, is another notable figure with this name.
In French-speaking countries, Jacques remains a popular given name. It has also been used in other languages, such as English (James), Spanish (Jaime or Santiago), Italian (Giacomo), Portuguese (Jacó), and German (Jakob).
Throughout history, the name Jacques has been associated with intelligence, leadership, and courage, as seen through the lives of its famous bearers. Its meaning also suggests determination and resilience, as someone who can overcome obstacles and "supplant" challenges.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Jaques has had varying popularity over the past few decades in the United States. The earliest year recorded is 1977 with 5 births, indicating that there was a small but steady presence of this name.
From 1987 to 2006, the number of births with the name Jaques fluctuated between 5 and 28 per year, showing a general increase in popularity over this period. The highest peak occurred in 2001 with 28 births, suggesting that there was significant interest in this name during this time.
However, from 2007 onwards, the popularity of Jaques seems to have decreased significantly. There were only 5 births each year between 2013 and 2014, indicating a substantial decline compared to previous years.
In total, there have been 301 births with the name Jaques in the United States since 1977. While this number is relatively small compared to some other popular names, it shows that Jaques has maintained a consistent presence over time. It's fascinating to observe how trends in naming can change so significantly over several decades.