Meaning & History
Jacobus is the Latin form of Jacob, also used in Dutch. It derives from Latin Iacobus, which came from Greek Ἰακώβ (Iakob), from Hebrew יַעֲקֹב (Yaʿaqov). In the Old Testament, Jacob (later called Israel) is the son of Isaac and Rebecca, father of the twelve tribes of Israel. His name is traditionally interpreted as "holder of the heel" or "supplanter" (see Genesis 25:26, 27:36), though some theorize it derives from יַעֲקֹבְאֵל (Yaʿaqovʾel) meaning "may God protect." The English names Jacob and James share this origin: James comes from Latin Iacomus, a later variant of Iacobus.
Usage as a Name
Jacobus is used primarily in Dutch and medieval Latin contexts. In the Netherlands, it appears alongside variants like Jakob and diminutives such as Cobus, Jaap, Kobus, Koos, and Sjaak. Feminine forms like Jacoba also exist. In other languages cognates include Yacoub (Arabic), Hakob (Armenian), and many others. The name was common among Latin-writing clerics and scholars throughout the medieval period.
Historical and Monetary Significance
In English history, a "Jacobus" was a gold coin struck during the reign of King James I, worth 25 shillings (1¼ pounds sterling). The coin's name derives from the Latin inscription on its obverse: IACOBUS D G MAG BRIT FRA ET HI REX, meaning "James, by the grace of God, of Britain, France, and Ireland King." The coin's weight—approximately 9.1 grams for the standard issue and 9.8 grams for the "broad" variant—reinforces its status as a substantial gold piece often referenced in economic texts of the period. Isaac Newton discussed the coin's weight in a letter to John Locke, noting its use in trade and currency standard debates.
Key Facts
- Meaning: "Holder of the heel" or "supplanter" (from Hebrew Yaʿaqov)
- Origin: Latin (from Greek and Hebrew)
- Type: First name, also the name of a historic gold coin
- Usage Regions: Dutch-speaking areas (as a given name), Medieval Latin contexts, and England (as a coin name)
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Jacobus