The Corner

Yaakov–James

OK, got it. The “v” (labiodental fricative) shifted easily to a “b”

(bilabial plosive–”Jacob”) and thence to an “m” (bilabial nasal). Should

have thought of that. The “s” came in via Latin, “Jacobus/Jacmus.” Thanks

to all.

John Derbyshire — Mr. Derbyshire is a former contributing editor of National Review.
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