In choosing the name Jacob for your son, you have joined the ranks of parents everywhere who made this moniker the most popular boy's name for 2006. It wasn't all that long ago that .Jacob. was considered to be old-fashioned, but as with so much in life, old cycles become new, linking pieces of the past with potential for the future. Can a boy named Jacob step into a modern-day existence and make his mark on the world? There's no doubt this name can guide a child to greatness, as it blesses its owner with a unique blend of practical seriousness and intuitive detail-consciousness. However, not every little guy will take kindly to life in the no-nonsense lane.

Origin and Meaning

The name Jacob originates from the Hebrew Ya'aqov which means "holder of the heel" or "supplanter." In the Bible, Jacob (son of Isaac), emerged from the womb "holding the heel" of his brother Esau. Later in the story, Jacob cheats Esau out of his inheritance. "Supplanter" comes from Latin sub planteum, meaning to place someone's hand beneath the sole of another's foot -- to "trip them up."

Although the bible story appears to cast a dark shadow, naming your baby boy Jacob doesn't mean that he'll grow up to be a cheat or otherwise dishonest person. But he will possess a calculating mind capable of saint or sinner tendencies! It'll be up to you to instill a sound value system in your son... adding a strong dose of ethics to that "natural head for critical detail."

Overall Impression of a Jacob

Granting your child the gift of quiet contemplativeness, the name Jacob almost guarantees that your little guy will have a whole lot going on beneath the surface where no one can see. As the mind internally ticks away nonstop, Jacobs are outwardly fascinated with anything technical or mechanical. Taking an analytical, methodical approach to life, they seek to ride along on a steady, supportive flow of energy. But as playtime revolves around building blocks and jigsaw puzzles, little Jacobs silently wonder about how the physical side of life works. Why does water boil and snow melt? Why do dads have whiskers and little boys don't?

This name brings out strong organizational skills, a practical, almost plodding approach to problem solving and a cool temperament that keeps sensitive feelings tucked safely away beneath a dependable surface exterior. An act of spontaneous creativity could feel to a Jacob like a whale knocking the oars off his safe little rowboat.

General Summary

With the name Jacob, your son will feel most content when he thinks he knows exactly how life works-- on all levels. Consequently, he'll always be checking out facts and figures, whys and wherefores. He'll readily pick up on all the little details other folks seem to miss or ignore. His desire to know will take him on a quest to solve life's deeper mysteries, along with the everyday problems that require logical, five sensory attention.

What's in a Jacob? Don't be surprised if you find a mad scientist or a studious reader. a computer nerd or cautious explorer. an amateur magician or a brilliant mathematician. and for sure a serious skeptic. The name Jacob is not a good fit for all baby boys since its influence demands discipline and earnestness, even while everyone else is caught up in fun and adventure. But this name can be a catalyst for growth if your desire is to give birth to a patient, meticulous student of life.

Job and Career

In their careers, Jacobs lean toward fields involving mathematics, law, mechanics, electronics, medical research and technology. These men can excel in anything from accounting to computer programming, but could also do well in architecture, acting or even personal coaching.

Positive attributes: Practicality, technical orientation, detail-minded, stability, budgeting know-how, intuitive in-touch-ness Challenging qualities: Extreme caution, repressive tendencies, reluctance to explore new territory, lack of expression in personal relationships

The Nickname Jake

Many with the name Jacob adopt the nickname Jake very early in life. This variation brings generosity and kind-heartedness, but could also spark difficulties with money management and self-control. Only encourage the use of this nickname after you have fully researched its effect.

As a Parent

• Encourage your Jacob's talents with puzzles, building blocks, child computers and mechanical toys.
• Create a structured environment for your little guy with regular schedules and ordered space.
• Don't be afraid to discuss the "whys" of life since your Jacob will likely be full of questions from toddlerhood through adulthood.
• Use a patient, step-by-step teaching approach with everything from toilet training to learning ABCs since Jacobs thrive on details, and seldom like to rush the attainment of new knowledge.
• Have nightly "ticklefests" and get regular playdates going early so that your Jacob doesn't feel the mood always has to be serious in his world.
• You may have to teach your Jacob ways to safely share his feelings, but it will be a lesson of great value, since he will have a tendency to bottle up unpleasant emotions later in life.
• Little Jacob will thrive on stability and reassurance, but regular doses of monitored change will keep him on top of his game later in life.

Famous Jacobs include:
Jacob Javits, (1904-1986) New York Politician
Jacob Lawrence, Painter
Jacob Riis, Photojournalist
Jake Gyllenhaal, Actor

Copyright 2007 Maryanna Korwitts All Rights Reserved