Jakiv

Jakiv Origin and Meaning

The name Jakiv is a boy's name.

Jakiv is a masculine name of Ukrainian and Slavic origin, serving as a cultural variant of Jacob or Yakov. The name ultimately derives from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, meaning 'holder of the heel' or 'supplanter.' Jakiv maintains strong connections to Eastern European heritage and Orthodox Christian traditions. While relatively uncommon in Western countries, it remains more prevalent in Ukraine and among Ukrainian diaspora communities. The name's distinctive spelling reflects the transliteration from the Cyrillic alphabet. Parents choosing Jakiv often seek to honor Ukrainian ancestry or appreciate its distinctive yet recognizable quality as an alternative to more common Jacob variants.