Last Name Jakab

The last name "Jakab" is predominantly of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the given name "Jakab," which is the Hungarian form of the biblical name Jacob. The name is relatively common in Hungary and among Hungarian communities around the world. The variations of this last name can often be found in Slovakia, Romania, and other neighboring countries as well due to historical connections and shared ancestry within the region.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jakab

The meaning and origin of the last name Jakab

The surname Jakab has Hungarian origins and is derived from the given name "Jakab", which is the Hungarian form of the biblical name "Jacob." Jacob, meaning "supplanter" or "holder of the heel," has Hebrew roots and is one of the most common names in various cultures and languages. The surname Jakab would have been passed down from generation to generation, signifying someone's ancestral connection to an individual named Jakab.

In Hungary, surnames started to gain prominence during the late medieval period when authorities began to require individuals to adopt hereditary family names for administrative purposes. The surname Jakab likely originated from families that traced their lineage or believed themselves to descend from an ancestor named Jakab. Over time, as the practice of using surnames became widespread, the surname Jakab expanded and is now found among diverse Hungarian communities. Today, individuals bearing the surname Jakab can be found not only in Hungary but also in various countries around the world due to migration and globalization.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jakab

The last name Jakab is predominantly found in Central and Eastern Europe, particularly in countries such as Hungary, Slovakia, and Romania. In Hungary, it is one of the most common surnames, with a significant concentration in regions like Budapest, Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén, and Pest. It is believed that the surname originates from the personal name "Jakab," which is the Hungarian equivalent of "James" or "Jacob." The name's prevalence in Slovakia and Romania can be attributed to historical factors such as population movements and border shifts over the centuries. While it may also be found in smaller numbers in other European countries due to migration, the highest concentration of individuals with the last name Jakab remains in its core region. The geographical distribution of the Jakab surname reflects the cultural and historical ties between these countries and their shared linguistic roots in Hungarian and surrounding languages.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jakab

The last name Jakab can be spelled and varied in several ways depending on different regions and languages. In Hungary, where the name originates, it is commonly spelled as Jakab itself. However, in English-speaking countries, it can be altered to Jacob, Jacobs, or even Jacobson. Other variations and spellings of the name include Jakobi, Jakobsson, Jacoby, Jacobi, and Jacobić. Additionally, in Slavic regions, the name may appear as Yakov, Yakubov, or Iakov. Different individuals and families may choose to modify the spelling to adapt to their new surroundings or personal preferences. It is important to note that slight variations and alternative spellings of surnames are common due to factors such as immigration, naturalization, or transliteration. Therefore, individuals with the last name Jakab may have encountered various spellings based on their family's history and geographical location.

Famous people with the last name Jakab

While there isn't a prominent public figure by the last name Jakab who has achieved worldwide fame, it is worth noting that there are individuals with this surname who have made their mark in various fields. For instance, Zoltán Jakab is a respected Hungarian economist known for his expertise in banking and financial stability. His research contributions have earned him international recognition within academic circles. Another notable figure with the surname Jakab is Dr. Cecília Jakab, a Hungarian expert in public health who served as the Deputy Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). Throughout her career, Dr. Jakab focused on issues such as health promotion, preventing non-communicable diseases, and addressing health inequalities. While these individuals may not be universally recognized household names, they have made significant contributions in their respective fields, demonstrating the impact that individuals with the last name Jakab can have.

Genealogical research on the last name Jakab

The last name Jakab is most commonly found in Hungary and is of Hungarian origin. It is derived from the given name Jakab, which is the Hungarian form of the biblical name Jacob. This surname indicates that the bearer's ancestor was named Jakab or had some connection to someone named Jakab. The name Jakab is a variation of the Hebrew name Yaakov, meaning "supplanter" or "to follow." The Jakab family could have been part of the Jewish population in the past, as the name is also found within Jewish communities. However, it is important to note that the name Jakab can be found across various ethnic backgrounds and religions. Tracing the genealogy of the Jakab family would require specific information about the individual or family in question, including birth records, marriage certificates, and other relevant documents to establish a comprehensive family tree.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jakab"
• 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 April 2025

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