Last Name Jacobi

The surname Jacobi is of German and Jewish origin. It is derived from the given name Jakob or James, which was a common name in medieval Europe. Over time, it became a hereditary surname in Germany. Among Jews, the surname may have originated as a nickname for someone who shared characteristics with the biblical figure Jacob, such as being a skillful trickster or a quick wit. The name spread to other countries, including Russia and France, through German Jewish immigrants.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jacobi

The meaning and origin of the last name Jacobi

The surname Jacobi is of Germanic origin, deriving from the given name Jakob or James, which means "supplanter" in Hebrew. It was initially used as a personal name among Christians, particularly those following the Catholic faith, to honor Saint James the Great. Over time, it evolved into a hereditary surname in German-speaking regions. The surname Jacobi is not exclusive to any specific region within Germany; however, it is more commonly found in the western and central parts of the country. It has since been dispersed globally due to historical migrations, such as the spread of Germanic populations during medieval times and later, the emigration waves from Germany to various countries like the United States and Australia.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jacobi

The surname Jacobi has a significant presence in various regions globally, with notable concentrations in Europe and the Americas. Originating from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov" (Jacob), which means "supplanter," this surname spread primarily among Jewish communities throughout history. In Germany, it is one of the oldest and most common Jewish surnames. It also has a significant presence in France, particularly in Alsace-Lorraine, where it was popularized by German settlers. In America, it can be found among both Ashkenazi Jewish immigrants and German settlers in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, Jacobi is dispersed across numerous countries, with concentrations in the United States, Israel, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, and Germany. The widespread distribution of this surname reflects historical migration patterns and the diaspora of Jewish and German communities over time.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jacobi

The surname Jacobi has several variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration and local dialects over time. Some of these include:

1. Jacoby - This is one of the most common English spellings, particularly in America, derived from German or Jewish origins.
2. Jakobi - This is a variant found primarily in Scandinavian countries like Denmark and Sweden. It's derived from the Latin form, Jacobus, which translates to James in English.
3. Jachobi - This spelling can be found among Eastern European Jews, particularly those of Polish or Lithuanian descent.
4. Jakobeit - This is a less common Swiss variation, originating from the German region of Aargau.
5. Yakobi (or Iakobi) - In some Russian, Georgian, and Hebrew contexts, this may be found as an alternate spelling for Jacobi.
6. Giacobbe or di GIacobbe - These are Italian variations of the surname. In some cases, it can also be anglicized to Jacobs.
7. Yacoub, Ya'coub, or Jekoub - These spellings represent Arabic and Hebrew forms of Jacobi.
8. Jakovic - This is a Slavic variation from the Balkan region (e.g., Croatia, Bosnia, Serbia) related to the name Jacob.

Famous people with the last name Jacobi

Notable individuals bearing the surname Jacobi include Maria Dimitriades Jacobi (1897-1990), an Australian sculptor who created works that reflected her Greek heritage; and John Charles Field Jacobi (1834-1896), a British mathematician and physicist, best known for his work in analytical mechanics and geodesy. His discoveries have influenced various fields, including astronomy, engineering, and computer graphics. Additionally, there is Heidi Jacob (b. 1953), a German actress who gained international recognition for her role in the film Run Lola Run. In the world of science fiction, Isaac Asimov's character Hannele Jacobi from his Foundation series has left an indelible mark on genre literature. Lastly, in the realm of classical music, Felix Mendelssohn-Bartholdy, though not a Jacobi by birth, was close friends with Jacob Liebmann Beer Jacobi (1804-1879), who served as the director of the Berlin Singakademie.

Genealogical research on the last name Jacobi

The surname Jacobi is of Germanic origin, stemming from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," meaning supplanter or usurper. It was initially adopted by individuals who converted to Christianity from Judaism and can be traced back to medieval Germany. One notable bearer of this name was Gottfried Wilhelm Leibniz, a prominent German philosopher, mathematician, and polymath during the Age of Enlightenment. Another well-known Jacobi is Johann Christian Jacobi, a significant figure in the development of analysis in mathematics. The surname has also been widely dispersed across Europe, with notable families tracing their roots to Prussia, Austria, and Scandinavia. In America, the name can be found among the early German settlers in Pennsylvania, as well as among later immigrants from Germany and Eastern Europe. Today, Jacobi remains a relatively common surname, particularly in Germany, Sweden, and North America.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jacobi"
• 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 : 11 June 2025

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