Yacoub

Yacoub is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It is a transliteration of Ya'qub, the Arabic form of the name Jacob, and is used across Arabic-speaking populations and in diaspora communities. The name is associated with the biblical and Qur’anic figure Jacob, known in Islamic tradition as Yaqub, a prophet and patriarch in the stories of the prophets.

Origin and meaning: Ya'qub derives from Hebrew Ya'akov; the name is traditionally linked to meanings such as “holder of the heel” or “supplanter,” though exact interpretations vary. In multilingual contexts, Yacoub is one of several transliterations, with Yacub, Yaqub, Ya'qub, and Yaakov being common variants. The English form Jacob and the French Jacques are historically related through Latin Jacobus.

Usage: Yacoub is used in many Arab countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Jordan, Palestine, Iraq, and North Africa, and is also found among immigrant communities in Europe, North America, and Australia. It may appear as a given name for boys and, less commonly, as a surname or patronymic in some families.

Cultural and religious context: In Islamic tradition, Yaqub is recognized as a prophet and the father of Yusuf (Joseph). In Jewish and Christian traditions, Yaakov/Jacob is a patriarch and the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name’s religious associations contribute to its continued use in diverse communities.