Jaco

The name Jaco (Portuguese Jacó) represents a Portuguese variant of the biblical name Jacob. This derives from the ancient Hebrew name Jaʿakow (יַעֲקֹב), although its exact meaning is not clearly defined.

What does the name Jaco mean?

The first name Jaco (Portuguese Jacó) is a Portuguese derivation of the biblical Jacob. It comes from the ancient Hebrew name Jaʿakow (יַעֲקֹב), whose meaning is not fully secured. Possible interpretations are 'God may protect' or 'the heel holder'. Further information on the derivations can be found on the name page of Jacob. In Portuguese, there are also the variants Diego, Diogo, Iago, Jaime, Santiago, Thiago, Tiago, and Yago, which are also derived from Jacob.

Where does the name Jaco come from?

The name Jacó, like the variant Jacob, has its origin in the Hebrew name Jaʿakow (יַעֲקֹב). In ancient Hebrew, this name can be interpreted as an expression of 'God protects' or 'God may protect'. Additionally, it is folk-etymologically associated with the ancient Hebrew term 'akow' for 'to hold the heel', derived from 'akew' for 'heel'.

How do you pronounce Jaco?

Dschako

When is the name day of Jaco?

The central name days for Jacó are May 3 (James the Less), July 25 (James the Greater), and October 6 (Patriarch Jacob).

Popularity

In Germany, Jaco is a relatively rare first name. It currently ranks 5,840th in the list of the most common male first names. The best ranking the name achieved was in 2010, when it was at 2,204th place. In the last ten years, Jaco has been given about 20 times, placing it at 5,320th in the ten-year statistics. From 2010 to 2024, it stands at 5,162nd.

Famous people

• Jaco Ahlers (professional golfer from South Africa)
• Jaco Alberts (rugby player from South Africa)
• Jaco Booysen (South African rugby player)
• Jaco Bouwer (South African rugby player)
• Jaco Fourie (equestrian from South Africa)
• Jaco Geurts (Dutch politician)
• Jaco Nepgen (rugby player from South Africa)
• Jaco Pastorius (electric bassist from the USA)
• Jaco Taute (rugby player from South Africa)
• Jaco van Dormael (Belgian film director)
• Jaco van Niekerk (rugby player from South Africa)
• Jaco van Zyl (South African professional golfer)
• Jaco Venter (South African cyclist)
• Jaco Visser (South African rugby player)