Meaning & History
Jacquetta is a feminine diminutive of Jacques, the French form of James. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Jacob, through the Latin Iacomus and Biblical Greek Iakobos. Jacquetta thus carries the meaning “supplanter,” rooted in the biblical story of Jacob.
History and Bearers
Jacquetta of Luxembourg (1415/16–1472) was a prominent figure in the War of the Roses. She was the wife of John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford, and later married the knight Sir Richard Woodville. Her daughter, Elizabeth Woodville, became queen consort of England as the wife of Edward IV. Jacquetta herself was rumored to practice witchcraft, a charge stemming from her involvement in the political intrigues of the time.
Notable Modern Bearers
Archaeologist and writer Jacquetta Hawkes (1910–1996) was an influential scholar known for her work on prehistoric archaeology and her book The Land. British actress and director Jacquetta May has appeared in film and television. Model Jacquetta Wheeler (born 1981) has been featured in international fashion campaigns. The name remains rare but retains an aristocratic and historical appeal.
- Meaning: Feminine diminutive of Jacques, ultimately from Hebrew, "supplanter."
- Origin: English, via French
- Type: Feminine first name
- Regions Used: English-speaking countries
Related Names
Sources: Wikipedia — Jacquetta