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Jake

Jake is a diminutive form of Jacob, which originates from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov. The name means 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel,' a reference to the biblical Jacob who was born holding his twin brother Esau's heel. In cultural contexts, Jake is often seen as a friendly and approachable name.

IPA: /dʒeɪk/ · Simplified: jeyk

Male
Hebrew
Biblical
Middle East
friendly
casual
approachable
modern

68/100

Popularity

Stable

10-Year Trend

5

Countries

2018

Peak Year

Meaning of Jake

Etymology, origin story, and cultural significance.

Jake is a diminutive form of Jacob, which originates from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov. The name means 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel,' a reference to the biblical Jacob who was born holding his twin brother Esau's heel. In cultural contexts, Jake is often seen as a friendly and approachable name.

Does Jake flow with your last name? — Run the surname compatibility check

How to pronounce Jake

IPA notation and a simplified pronunciation guide.

IPA: /dʒeɪk/ · Simplified: jeyk

Nicknames for Jake

Common diminutives and short forms used in everyday life.

Jay
Jakey
Jakester
JJ

Jake name popularity

Popularity score over the last 10 years and countries where this name is popular.

20152016201720182019202020212022202320240255075100

Popular in Countries

Top countries where this name is most common.

75

United Kingdom

72

Australia

70

United States

68

Canada

66

New Zealand

International Forms

How this name appears across different languages and cultures.

Jacob

Jakob

Jacques

Iago

Names like Jake

Names with a similar feel you might also like.

Collections featuring Jake

Curated name lists where this name appears

Personality

Traits and perception commonly associated with this name.

The name Jake is often associated with a relaxed and easygoing personality. People with this name are commonly seen as approachable and down-to-earth, possessing a strong sense of sincerity. Jake embodies a youthful spirit and is often perceived as trustworthy and loyal.

Name Day

Traditional celebration date for this name.

Not traditionally celebrated

Famous people named Jake

Well-known figures who share this name.

J

Jake Gyllenhaal

American actor known for roles in films like 'Donnie Darko' and 'Brokeback Mountain' (born 1980)

Frequently asked questions about Jake

Quick answers on meaning, gender, popularity, and nicknames.

What does Jake mean?
Here is the meaning behind Jake: Jake is a diminutive form of Jacob, which originates from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov. The name means 'supplanter' or 'holder of the heel,' a reference to the biblical Jacob who was born holding his twin brother Esau's heel. In cultural contexts, Jake is often seen as a friendly and approachable name.
Is Jake a boy or girl name?
Jake is traditionally a boy's name, though naming customs vary between cultures and families.
How popular is Jake?
Jake scores 68/100 on Namelia's popularity index, with a peak around 2018.
What are good nicknames for Jake?
Popular nicknames for Jake: Jay, Jakey, Jakester, JJ.
What names are similar to Jake?
Names similar to Jake: Jack, Jake, Jace, James — close in sound, origin, or style.

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