The name Jacobo is derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, which means "supplanter" or "one who follows". It is the Spanish variation of the name Jacob and its origins can be traced back to the biblical patriarch Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebecca, from the Old Testament.

In the book of Genesis, Jacob is described as having been born holding onto the heel of his twin brother Esau, hence the name "supplanter". The name gained widespread popularity across Europe and the Mediterranean region after the spread of Christianity and the translation of the Bible into various languages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jacobo can be found in the "Cantar de Mio Cid", a 12th century Spanish epic poem which follows the exploits of the Castilian hero El Cid. The poem mentions a character named Jacobo Ferrandez, who was one of El Cid's loyal knights.

In the 13th century, the Italian philosopher and theologian Jacobo de Viterbo, also known as Giacomo da Viterbo, made significant contributions to the development of Aristotelian philosophy and the study of natural sciences. He lived from approximately 1255 to 1308.

During the Renaissance, the Italian artist and architect Jacobo Sansovino, born in 1486 and died in 1570, was renowned for his works in Venice, including the construction of the Biblioteca Marciana and the Loggetta in St. Mark's Square.

In the 16th century, the Spanish conquistador Jacobo de Almaraz played a crucial role in the conquest of Guatemala, serving under Pedro de Alvarado. He was one of the first European settlers in the region and founded the city of Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala in 1524.

Another notable figure was Jacobo Fitz-James Stuart y Colón, the 17th Duke of Alba, who lived from 1878 to 1953. He was a Spanish nobleman, diplomat, and military officer, and served as the Minister of State during the reign of King Alfonso XIII.