Last Name Iacub

The surname Iacub (or Jacob) has Hebrew origins and is derived from the Biblical name "Ya'akov," which means "supplanter" or "one who follows." It is a common Jewish surname and was also carried by early Christian converts. The name is well known for its use in the New Testament, where it is associated with one of the Twelve Apostles, Saint James the Greater. The surname has evolved into various forms across different languages and cultures. In English, it can be found as Jacob, James, and Jack, among others. In Hebrew, it is spelled יעקב (Ya'akov). Other variations include Iakovos in Greek, Giacomo in Italian, Jaques in French, Jakob or Jürgen in German, and Yaqub in Arabic. It is important to note that surnames have a complex history, often changing over time due to regional influences and language adaptations. Therefore, the origin of a particular name may not always be straightforward or universally agreed upon.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Iacub

The meaning and origin of the last name Iacub

The surname Iacub, also spelled Jacobs or Jacob, is of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Biblical name "Ya'akov," which means "heel holder" or "supplanter." This name was given to the patriarch Jacob in the Old Testament, who was known for his cunning and deception, particularly in obtaining the blessings meant for his older brother Esau. The surname has been widely adopted across many countries due to Jewish diaspora throughout history. Over time, various spellings of the name have emerged as a result of transliteration and local linguistic influences. The name is common among Jewish communities worldwide, notably in regions with historical Jewish settlements such as Germany, Poland, Russia, and the United States.

Geographical distribution of the last name Iacub

The surname Iacub has its origins in Romania and Moldova, primarily among people of Romanian and Jewish descent. It is a variant of the more common Romanian surname Ion or Ioan, which means "God is gracious" in Hebrew. The name spread outside these regions due to migration, particularly to other parts of Europe and North America. In Europe, significant populations with the surname Iacub can be found in countries like Italy, Spain, and France, where Romanian migrants settled during the 20th century. In North America, the largest concentration of people with the name Iacub resides in the United States, particularly in states with a high population of Romanian immigrants such as Texas, California, and New York. The name is less common but can also be found in Canada and Australia, reflecting further dispersals from the original regions of origin.

Variants and spellings of the last name Iacub

The spelling variations for the surname Iacub can include: Jacobs, Jacobi, Jakob, Jákob, Yakub, Ya'Kub, Iaqub, Iaquino, Iaccarino, Iacobbo, and Iacovone. These variations are likely due to differences in regional dialects, transcription errors during migration, or personal preference over time. The original form of the name could be derived from various sources such as Hebrew (Ya'Kub meaning "may God protect"), Aramaic (Jakob), Greek (Iakobos), or Latin (Iacobus) names for the Biblical figure Jacob. However, it is important to note that the specific origin and spelling of the surname can vary among different families who share this name.

Famous people with the last name Iacub

Notable individuals with the surname Iacub include:

1. Dan Iacob (born 1978), a Romanian former footballer who played as a goalkeeper. He was part of Romania's national team and participated in the UEFA Euro 2000.

2. Mircea Eliade (1907-1986), a renowned historian of religion, philosopher, and professor, best known for his works on the history of religious ideas and phenomenology of religion. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1974.

3. Sorin Iacob (born 1980), a Romanian former professional footballer who played as a midfielder. He represented Romania in the UEFA Euro 2000 and participated in the FIFA World Cup in 2014.

4. Gabriel Iacob (born 1978), a Romanian former football player who played as a goalkeeper for teams such as Steaua București, Dinamo București, and Rapid Wien. He was also part of the Romania national team at UEFA Euro 2008.

These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields, including sports and academia, earning recognition both nationally and internationally.

Genealogical research on the last name Iacub

The surname Iacub (or Jacob) is of Hebrew origin and means "supplanter" or "usurper." It is a common Jewish name derived from the biblical patriarch Jacob, the founder of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name Iacub has been recorded in various spellings and forms across Europe due to historical transcription errors and regional dialects.

In Italy, the name Iacobus was adopted during the Middle Ages by Jewish families who migrated from Palestine and the Byzantine Empire. Some Italian branches of the family moved to Spain, where they assimilated into Christian society under the name Jácome or Yácomo (derived from Jacob). After the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many Iacub descendants relocated to Portugal, the Ottoman Empire, and Italy.

The Sephardic Jewish community in Spain and Portugal retained their ancestral name even after converting to Christianity during the Inquisition. Some of these "New Christians" maintained secret Jewish practices or reconverted to Judaism upon reaching more tolerant locations like the Dutch Republic and Brazil. The Iacub surname is also found among Ashkenazi Jews in Germany, Poland, Russia, and other Eastern European countries.

In the United States, immigrants with the Iacub surname began arriving in the 19th century from various parts of Europe. The name is now widespread among Jewish communities across North America and beyond.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "iacub"
• 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 : 30 July 2025

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