Last Name Iacob

The surname "Iacob" is derived from the given name Jacob, which is a common Hebrew name meaning "he who supplants" or "grabber of the heel." It is found in the Bible, where it belongs to one of the Twelve Patriarchs and one of the Israelites' forefathers. The surname Iacob (or its variations such as Jacob, Jacobs, Jäger, etc.) has been used in various European countries, particularly in areas with a Jewish diaspora or Christian communities. In many instances, it was adopted by people who traced their ancestry to the biblical figure Jacob. It's important to note that the origin of surnames can be complex and multifaceted, as they often have multiple origins depending on geographical location and historical context.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iacob

The meaning and origin of the last name Iacob

The surname Iacob (or Jacob) is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name "Ya'akov" or "Jacob." In Hebrew, Ya'akov means "may God protect," a name given to the second patriarch in the Torah and the Old Testament. Over time, as Jews migrated across Europe, the name underwent various phonetic changes, resulting in forms like Iakob (German), Giacomo (Italian), and Jaques (French). The surname Iacob is found among Jewish populations, particularly those of Ashkenazi descent, and has also been adopted by individuals from other cultural backgrounds.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iacob

The surname Iacob, derived from the biblical name Jacob, has a significant presence primarily in regions with historical Romanian and Roman Catholic influences. In Romania, it is one of the most common surnames, particularly in areas such as Moldova, Muntenia, Transylvania, and Banat. Beyond Romania, Iacob can also be found among Romanian diaspora communities in other parts of Europe, North America, South America, Australia, and Africa. In countries like Canada, the United States, and Italy, individuals with the last name Iacob are predominantly of Romanian descent. The global dispersion reflects historical events such as migration due to political unrest or economic opportunities, but maintains a strong connection to its Romanian roots.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iacob

The surname Iacob has several variations and spellings due to differences in translation, regional dialects, and transcribing errors over time. Some common variants include Jacob, Jankov, Jakub, Yakov, Iakov, Iakob, and Jakobb. Additionally, there are regional versions such as Iacobescu in Romania, Iacoub or Iacovou in Greece, and Jakubec or Jakoubek in Czech Republic. Furthermore, the name may also appear as Giacobbe or Di Giacomo in Italian, Jaquez in Spanish, or Jacobs in English. These variations highlight the global dissemination of the surname Iacob and its adaptability to different languages and cultures.

Famous people with the last name Iacob

Notable individuals with the surname Iacob include:

1. Dan Iacob (born 1963), a Romanian football player and coach, who played as a goalkeeper for teams such as Steaua București and Ajax Amsterdam.
2. Florin Iacob (born 1978), a Romanian former professional tennis player, known for reaching the quarterfinals at Wimbledon in 2006.
3. Horia Iacob (1934-2012), a Romanian architect and urban planner, recognized for his work on the master plan of Brasov and the Sala Palatului concert hall in Bucharest.
4. Marius Iacob (born 1975), a Romanian actor, best known for his roles in films such as "4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days" and "The Death of Mr. Lazarescu."
5. Radu Iacoban (born 1965), a Romanian film director, screenwriter, and producer, notable for movies like "A Little Tale about Serial Killer" and "Ghosts of the Ottoman Empire."
6. Vintilă Iacob (1927-1983), a Romanian poet, playwright, and literary critic, acclaimed for his poetry collection "The Book of Love."

Genealogical research on the last name Iacob

The surname Iacob, originating from the Roman-Latin name Jacobus, is a common European last name with diverse origins. In several regions, it's derived from the Hebrew name "Yaakov," meaning "heel holder" or "supplanter." This name was popularized by the biblical figure Jacob. In Italy, the name Iacobo evolved into Iacovo, and later Iacobi, before becoming Iacob in various Italian dialects. The name also appears frequently in Romania, where it originated from Latin colonization. Additionally, it is found among Jewish communities with Sephardic roots, a testament to the spread of Jewish culture across Europe and the Mediterranean. Over time, various spelling variations have emerged, such as Jacob, Jakes, Jacobs, and Jakob, reflecting the name's widespread adoption in different languages and cultures.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Iacob"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 28 July 2025

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