Jakobe

Jakobe is a modern Americanized rendition of Jacoby, which is a patronymic Jewish surname derived from the Hebrew personal name “Yaakov” (Latin: Jacob). The original Hebrew name is derived from the word "akev" which literally translates to "at the heel". The name’s etymology is explained in Genesis 25:26 when the twin brothers, Jacob and Esau, are born to Isaac and Rebecca. Jacob (the second born twin) came out of Rebecca’s womb “…with his hand holding Esau's heel, so his name was called Jacob." Before the boys were born, Rebecca could feel them “struggling” inside of her so she went to inquire of the Lord. God told Rebecca that the younger (Jacob) would be stronger, and that the older (Esau) would serve the younger – which is an atypical arrangement. In Biblical times, the oldest born son usually got the blessings and birthright; however, not in this case. As the story progresses, the cunning Jacob tricked Esau out of his birthright and then disguised himself as Esau in order to receive Jacob’s blessing (which should have belonged to Esau). Realizing he’s been deceived, Esau exclaims in Genesis 37:36: "Is he not rightly named Jacob? For he has supplanted me these two times." Therefore, the name is also often associated with the verb “to supplant”. Jacob goes on to become the patriarch of the Twelve Tribes of Israel, so we think it’s fair to say he was one ambitious dude.