Iago

Gender: Male
Origin: Spanish
Meaning: Supplanter

What is the meaning of the name Iago?

The name Iago is primarily a male name of Spanish origin that means Supplanter.

The name Iago is of Spanish and Portuguese origin, derived from the name Jacob or James, which comes from the Hebrew name Ya’aqov (יַעֲקֹב). The original Hebrew name means “supplanter” or “holder of the heel,” as in the biblical story, Jacob is described as holding his twin brother Esau’s heel at birth. Jacob later supplanted his brother’s birthright, which is where the meaning comes from.

Iago is the Galician and Portuguese version of James/Jacob, and it carries the same biblical significance and meaning as its origins. In English-speaking countries, Iago is famously known as the name of the antagonist in Shakespeare’s play “Othello,” which may influence contemporary perceptions of the name. However, the name itself retains the rich historical and cultural meaning tied to its Hebrew roots.

Different Spellings of the name Iago:

The name Iago, rooted in the Hebrew name Ya’aqov, has numerous variants and spellings across different cultures, reflecting its widespread adoption and adaptation. Here are some notable versions and spellings of the name Iago, each tied back to the original name Jacob or James:

1. **Jacob** – The original form of the name in English, derived directly from Hebrew.
2. **James** – An English variant that, like Jacob, stems from the same Hebrew roots but has been historically distinct in English.
3. **Jacobo** – A Spanish variant of Jacob, reflecting the linguistic nuances within Spanish-speaking countries.
4. **Giacomo** – The Italian version of James, showing the adaptation in Italian culture.
5. **Jaime** – Another Spanish version, used in Spain and Latin American countries, equivalent to James in English.
6. **Tiago** – A Portuguese variant derived from Santiago (Saint James), indicating the name’s religious significance.
7. **Diego** – Often associated with James and Jacob, used in Spanish-speaking countries, though its derivation is historically debated.
8. **Seamus** (Séamus) – An Irish version of James, reflecting the Gaelic linguistic tradition.
9. **Hamish** – A Scottish variant of James, demonstrating the name’s variation in Scotland.
10. **Yakov** (Яков) – The Russian form of Jacob, showing the name’s use in Slavic languages.

These variations highlight the name’s extensive cultural and linguistic journey from its Hebrew origins. Each version reflects the unique characteristics of its respective language and culture while maintaining a connection to the original meaning of “supplanter” or “holder of the heel.”