Find out how popular the first name Jacques has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jacques by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Jacques is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 96% of people named Jacques being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 54 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jacques.

The history of the first name Jacques

The given name Jacques is derived from the late Latin name Jacobus, which in turn comes from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov. The name Ya'aqov is derived from the Hebrew verb עקב ('aqav), meaning "to follow", "to be behind", and can also mean "supplanter" or "displanter".

Jacques is the French form of the name, and it is also commonly used in the English-speaking world. The name has been widely popular since the Middle Ages and has been borne by many notable individuals throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Jacques is Jacques de Voragine, an Italian chronicler and Archbishop of Genoa, who lived from around 1230 to 1298. He is best known for his influential work, the Golden Legend, a collection of hagiographies that became a major source of inspiration for medieval literature and art.

Another notable figure who bore the name Jacques is Jacques Cartier, the French explorer who is credited with the discovery of Canada. Born in 1491, Cartier made three voyages across the Atlantic in the early 16th century and claimed what is now Canada for France.

Jacques Marquette, a French Jesuit missionary and explorer, is also a significant historical figure associated with the name. Born in 1637, Marquette is best known for his exploration of the Mississippi River and the establishment of the first European settlement in what is now Chicago.

In the realm of art, Jacques-Louis David, a French Neoclassical painter, stands out as a prominent figure from the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born in 1748, David is renowned for his iconic works such as The Death of Young Bara and The Coronation of Napoleon.

Another notable figure is Jacques Cousteau, the French naval officer, explorer, conservationist, and filmmaker who is widely regarded as a pioneer in the field of marine conservation and underwater exploration. Born in 1910, Cousteau co-developed the Aqua-Lung, an early form of open-circuit underwater breathing apparatus, and produced numerous documentaries that brought the wonders of the ocean to global audiences.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jacques was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jacques, please contact us.

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