Jakub
/ˈja.kup/masculine
The English name James is translated into Polish as Jakub.
Jakub is the standard masculine given name used to refer to someone named James.
Meaning: male given name (the standard form) (name)
Which one should you use?
While Jakub is the standard form, you may encounter Kuba or Jaś in more casual settings.
How do you pronounce it?
The name has two syllables with the stress on the first syllable: /ˈja.kup/.
Did you know?
- The name Jakub is a linguistic relative of the word 'jacuzzi'. Both names ultimately trace back to the same Hebrew root referring to a 'heel'.
- While Kuba is the common nickname for Jakub, it is also the Polish shorthand for the country of 'Cuba'.
- In Polish, names like Jakub change their endings depending on how they are used in a sentence, such as becoming Jakuba when someone is talking about him.
Examples in context
- Witaj, Jaś! Jak minął ci dzień?Welcome, Jaś! How was your day?
- Jakub to mój brat.Jakub is my brother.
- Czy Jakub tu jest?Is Jakub here?
- Poznaj mojego kolegę, to Jakub.Meet my friend, his name is Jakub.
Example conversation
Tomasz and Agnieszka are discussing a mutual friend at a cafe.
- TomaszCzy widziałaś Jakuba dzisiaj?Have you seen Jakub today?
- AgnieszkaNie, nie widziałam go.No, I haven't seen him.
- TomaszJakub obiecał przyjść o piątej.Jakub promised to come at five.
- AgnieszkaMoże się po prostu spóźni.Maybe he is just late.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “james” translations and entries Jakub, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries Jakub, CC BY-SA 4.0.
