Jacob vs William

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Jacob

Boy #41 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"Supplanter; one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

English Jewish German Dutch Scandinavian

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Boy #10 Most Popular 3 Syllables

"resolute protector, strong-willed guardian"

Origin: Germanic

English German French

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Jacob Rank #41

William Rank #10

William is more popular, ranked #10 vs #41 for Jacob.

Is Jacob or William more popular?

William is more popular, ranked #10 compared to Jacob at #41 in the United States.

What do Jacob and William mean?

Jacob means "Supplanter; one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin). William means "resolute protector, strong-willed guardian" (Germanic origin).

Are Jacob and William boy or girl names?

Jacob is primarily a boy name. William is primarily a boy name.