Last Name Jacobo

The surname Jacobo has roots in various cultures, but one of its most common origins is derived from the Hebrew given name "Ya'akov," which means "supplanter" or "usurper." In many languages and countries, it has been latinized as Jacob or translated into local languages. The use of surnames based on personal names became more widespread in Europe during the Middle Ages as a means of identification among growing populations. However, the specific origin of each instance of the surname Jacobo may vary depending on individual family histories and migration patterns.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jacobo

The meaning and origin of the last name Jacobo

The surname Jacobo is derived from the Hebrew name "Ya'akov," which means "he who supplants" or "grasps the heel." It is traditionally associated with the biblical figure Jacob, one of the Twelve Patriarchs of Israel and a central character in the Old Testament. Over time, this name has been adopted as a surname by individuals of Jewish descent, particularly those from Spanish-speaking countries. The surname Jacobo can also be found among non-Jewish populations, often due to Christianization or assimilation, with similar meanings and associations in various cultures.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jacobo

The surname Jacobo is primarily distributed across various countries, with significant concentrations in Spanish-speaking regions due to its Hebrew origin and historical associations with Judaism. In Spain, particularly in Galicia and Catalonia, the name is quite prevalent, reflecting its early adoption by Jewish families who converted during the Inquisition. Similarly, in Latin America, particularly in countries like Mexico, Cuba, and Puerto Rico, Jacobo is a common surname among descendants of Spanish settlers and conversos (Jews who converted to Christianity). The name can also be found in Portugal, especially in the northern regions, due to its historical connections with Spain. Outside of Latin America, the United States has a notable number of individuals bearing the last name Jacobo, particularly in urban centers with large Hispanic populations. In Israel, a smaller but significant number of people carry the surname, indicating later immigration of Sephardic Jews from Europe and the Americas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jacobo

The surname Jacobo has multiple variations and spellings due to differences in transliteration, regional dialects, and individual preferences. Some common variants include:

1. Jacobs - this is the English variation of the name, originating from the Hebrew Yakov or Iakovos in Greek.
2. Jakob - a German variant, stemming from the same Hebrew root.
3. Giacomo - the Italian and Sardinian form of the name.
4. Hyacinthe (or Hyacinth) - a French variation, derived from the Latin Hyacinthus, which in turn comes from the Greek Iakinthos.
5. Jácome - a Portuguese variant.
6. Yakovlevich or Яковлевич in Cyrillic (Russian).
7. Jakubowicz - a Polish form of the name, meaning "son of Jacob."
8. Yaacov (or Yitzhak) - Hebrew spelling of the original name.

These variations represent a few examples of how the surname Jacobo has been adapted and transformed over time across different cultures and languages.

Famous people with the last name Jacobo

Notable individuals with the surname Jacobo include:

1. Alejandro Jacobo (born 1978), Venezuelan actor and television host, best known for his role in the telenovela "Corazón Guerrero."
2. Jorge Jacobo (born 1954), Mexican politician who served as Governor of Puebla from 2016 to 2021.
3. Jules Jacobo (1874-1930), French physician and scientist, known for his research on tuberculosis and its diagnosis methods.
4. Nestor Jacobo (born 1955), Cuban journalist and writer, recipient of the National Union of Writers and Artists of Cuba Award.
5. Ricardo Jacobo (1896-1973), Chilean military officer who served as President of Chile during a military coup in 1973.

These individuals have made significant contributions to various fields, including acting, politics, medicine, and journalism.

Genealogical research on the last name Jacobo

The surname Jacobo originates from various sources, primarily Hebrew and Spanish. In Hebrew, it is derived from the biblical name "Ya'akov," meaning "supplanter" or "trickster." This name was borne by the patriarch Jacob, who is considered the founder of the twelve tribes of Israel. In Spain, the surname Jacobo emerged during the Middle Ages as a Jewish surname, with its bearers often converting to Christianity under forced conversion edicts. During the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492, many individuals with the name Jacobo emigrated, contributing to the dispersal of this surname across Europe and the Americas. In modern times, the surname Jacobo is common among Jewish and Spanish-speaking populations worldwide.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jacobo"
• 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 : 27 July 2025

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