The name Jake is a diminutive form of the name Jacob, which is derived from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov. The name Ya'aqov is believed to have originated from the Hebrew word "aqev," meaning "heel," or from the Hebrew verb "aqav," meaning "to follow or to be behind." This is a reference to the biblical story of Jacob being born holding onto his twin brother Esau's heel.

The name Jacob is first mentioned in the Book of Genesis in the Hebrew Bible, where it refers to one of the patriarchs of the Israelites and the progenitor of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. The name gained popularity among Jews and later among Christians due to its biblical significance.

One of the earliest recorded uses of the diminutive form "Jake" can be found in English literature from the 16th century. It was a common nickname for Jacob in England and other parts of Europe during this time period.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Jake. For example, Jake Arrieta (born 1986) is an American professional baseball pitcher who won the National League Cy Young Award in 2015. Jake Gyllenhaal (born 1980) is an American actor known for his roles in films such as "Donnie Darko," "Brokeback Mountain," and "Prisoners."

In the literary world, Jake Barnes is a famous character from Ernest Hemingway's novel "The Sun Also Rises," published in 1926. Jake Chambers is also a prominent character in Stephen King's "The Dark Tower" book series, which began in 1982.

Other notable individuals named Jake include Jake LaMotta (1922-2017), an American professional boxer and the subject of the film "Raging Bull," and Jake Tapper (born 1969), an American journalist and author who currently serves as the chief Washington correspondent for CNN.

The name Jake has remained a popular choice for boys over the years, particularly in English-speaking countries, due to its association with the biblical name Jacob and its friendly, informal tone.