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TueMay 28

National Jake Day – May 28, 2024

National Jake Day is on May 28 each year. If you know someone named Jake and love him, today’s the day for showing it because he’s earned it. The name Jake has had a fascinating journey through history. He took himself way too seriously in the Bible. A master trickster, wealth amasser — someone who would rather wrestle with angels than face himself. Today, Jake’s a more easy-going guy. He’s so chill that he’s become an excellent adjective in Australia — life’s a breeze when everything’s “Jake.” We love Jake in all his avatars. The world officially recognizes your awesomeness today.

History of National Jake Day

Where did the name Jake originate? Many people believe its roots come from Middle English as an old variant of ‘Jack.’ The Scottish version was Jock, a nickname for John. The clue is in the name, ‘supplanter’ in Hebrew, better known as Jacob of the Old Testament.

Jacob in the Bible is best known for his cunning ways — a character trajectory that begins before he was born. In the book of Genesis, his mother Rebekah (while carrying two babies) felt the fraternal twins fighting inside her womb. The rivalry between the two endured, shaping the future of the two nations. Jacob would lead Israel. His brother, Esau, would be the forefather of Edom. The name Jake may not carry the same weight. Still, there are lessons from the symbolism behind Jacob. Jake personifies our humanity. How each one of us struggles with our demons and yet rises above.

Jake has been considered more of a nickname than traditional names like Jacob or John because it is one syllable and snappy. The name, however, still has virtuous meaning aside from the ‘supplanter’ we have all come to know. Jake or Jacob also means ‘God is gracious.’
Also, a Latin derivative of the Hebrew name ‘Yaakov’ which was thought initially to be derived from the word ‘akev,’ which means ‘at the heel,’ the name Jacob has been on the rise in the United States for the last two centuries. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, the name entered the Top 100 list of most popular masculine names.

National Jake Day timeline

19th Century B.C.
A Jacob Immortalized

The Book of Genesis first mentions Jacob, the son of Rebecca and Isaac.

1880
First appearance

When the name first appeared in the year 1880, 96 newborn babies were given the name.

Late 1990s
A Rise in Popularity

The name, Jacob, entered the Top 100 list of most popular masculine names.

2006
An Exceptionally Talented Jake

Jake Gyllenhaal wins the BAFTA for his role in “Brokeback Mountain.”

National Jake Day FAQs

What is the female version of Jake?

Jacobina, Jacobine, or Jacqueline.

Is Jake a cool name?

Jake featured in the top 100 list of popular names in the U.S. from the 1990s to the early 2000s. While Jake is traditionally a nickname, American families also use the name by itself.

What animal is a Jake?

Jake is a young male turkey.

National Jake Day Activities

  1. Appreciate a Jake

    Do you know and love a Jake? Buy him coffee or swing by with a six-pack. Go out of your way to make his day special.

  2. Watch Jake-inspired shows

    Today’s ideal for a Jake Gyllenhaal movie night — arguably the most famous Jake of them all. We love “Nightcrawler” and “Donnie Darko.” You can also count on the lovable Jake Peralta in “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” to make your day.

  3. Introspect and challenge old beliefs

    Jacob’s story in the Bible demonstrates a universal struggle, the need to explore the self and, by extension, understand the world. Take the time for quiet contemplation today.

5 Mind-blowing Facts About Jakes

  1. It resonates with generosity

    People who bear the name Jake are humanitarians and generous individuals.

  2. They have good genes

    Most Jakes look younger than their age.

  3. Natural born leaders

    Jakes have a good sense of humor and prefer to lead than follow.

  4. Vocational tendencies

    Jakes are likely to become composers, entertainers, religious zealots, actors, or artists.

  5. They have lucky days

    Lucky days for Jakes are believed to be Mondays and Fridays.

Why We Love National Jake Day

  1. Who doesn’t love Jake?

    The Jakes we know are universally loved, but do they know this? Today’s the chance to express just how fun, affable, and infinitely charming they are.

  2. A reminder of our humanity

    Jacob’s story inspires us to confront our demons. The only way out is through, after all.

  3. A celebration for just being

    Celebrations don’t always have to be grand events. Occasions like these celebrate everyday people and heroes in their own right

National Jake Day dates

YearDateDay
2024May 28Tuesday
2025May 28Wednesday
2026May 28Thursday
2027May 28Friday
2028May 28Sunday

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