David vs Jacob

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

David

Boy #31 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"beloved, dear"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

Hebrew English Spanish French Scottish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#31
Total SSA Count
7,317
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Dave, Davie, Davo

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
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Jacob

Boy #41 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"Supplanter; one who follows at the heel"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English Jewish German Dutch Scandinavian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#41
Total SSA Count
6,496
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Jake, Jakey, Jay

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Jacob →

Popularity Comparison

David Rank #31
Jacob Rank #41

David is more popular, ranked #31 vs #41 for Jacob.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

David ___

  • David James
  • David Michael
  • David Robert
  • David Thomas
  • David Andrew
  • David John

Jacob ___

  • Jacob Alexander
  • Jacob William
  • Jacob Thomas
  • Jacob Michael
  • Jacob David
  • Jacob Robert

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose David

Jonathan Hannah Samuel Rachel Benjamin

If you choose Jacob

Noah Elijah Isaac Hannah Rachel

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is David or Jacob more popular?

David is more popular, ranked #31 compared to Jacob at #41 in the United States.

What do David and Jacob mean?

David means "beloved, dear" (Hebrew origin). Jacob means "Supplanter; one who follows at the heel" (Hebrew origin).

Are David and Jacob boy or girl names?

David is primarily a boy name. Jacob is primarily a boy name.

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← Full profile: David ← Full profile: Jacob Browse all baby names