There are a few possible interpretations of its meaning:
* "He will supplant" or "He will seize by the heel": This refers to the biblical story of Jacob's birth, where he held onto his twin brother Esau's heel in the womb.
* "God may protect" or "God will protect": This interpretation focuses on the name's meaning as a prayer or supplication to God.
While the name Jacob has been adopted into many different languages and cultures, its core meaning and origin remain tied to its Hebrew roots.