Jacob v Yaqub for a Muslim child

[GeorgieCallahan723]

Yaqub (Ya-coob) is the Arabic form of Jacob and I adore both names but the issue is that if I pick Yaqub I can just see the name being twisted by people who don't know the right pronunciation, similarly for Jacob my family would butcher it, I do prefer Jacob a little more but from what I've researched it's not a Muslim/Arabic name and it's frowned upon to name your child after anything that's deemed foreign. I'm thinking of being sneaky and putting Jacob on BC so that he's called Jacob at school and by friends but then called Yaqub at home although I realise that's a little silly and could get very confusing. Which name would you pick and is Yaqub too difficult for people in London. I have a cousin called Yahya and poor mite has spent his whole life being called YaYa because it's difficult to pronounce.

[originalmavis]

How do they fit with the surname?

We have a very weird and wonderful surname (there are only 6 of us in the UK, all related) and its even exotic on the country of origin. That was one of the reasons we chose a very British name for DS (or rather international as most countries seem to have a version). Plus it was a family name from my side, so a nice blend of GB/ME (and the kid won't get asked if he speaks English, of when hr arrived here).

I like Jacob because I like Jay as a nn.

[originalmavis]

Oh and I have family in tbe states whose children have 2 names and switch around according to who is speaking to them, what they are up to, etc. One is english and one very traditional ME (not religious). The names aren't even versions of each other but nobody seems to bat an eyelid at that.

[originalmavis]

Just saw the 'foreign' bit. DHs grandpa almost wet himself laughing when we suggested giving DS a name from DHs country. He asked why would we give the child a name foreign to his home if the kid lived in London.

[Pedestriana]

I have a few muslim friends, and have never had any issue with pronouncing their names. One opts for an Anglicised version of her name because the 'proper' pronunciation sounds a bit like a rude word. (Don't want to elaborate as it could out her).
I don't see Yaqub as being hard to say. Before I read your pronunciation I was saying "Ya-cub" but it's not too far off. In London, it shouldn't be a problem as it's a pretty diverse place.

[OneFlewOverTheDodosNest]

I think it's pretty common to use two names, one the anglicised version of the other. I don't think there'll be a problem with the name Yaqub at a London school but sadly it could be more important for your DS to have an anglicised version when it comes to applying for jobs later in life.

[villainousbroodmare]

I don't think it's silly or confusing to use the two versions of the same name.
I'm Irish and switched easily between the Irish and Anglicised versions of my name at home and at school, as do many people. And in lots of cases, the names don't even look or sound similar.
Lots of people have a nickname at home and maybe a different one at school or with another group of friends, and then are addressed by their grandparents, let's say, or teachers, or work colleagues, by the formal version of their name.

[originalmavis]

I use 2 very different names because my real name is long and annoying so I was given a random name (older sibling chose it). They aren't versions of each other but I'm used to it! The plus side is that my real name is very proper and grown up. My other one sounds like a character in a cartoon or kids book!

[Zhabr]

I use two names as well, which sound very similar and actually start with J and Y. In my passport and at work I'm Y, at GPS surgery I am J. Some people know me as Y, some as J. It is a bit confusing and I keep forgetting if I should sign my letters Y or J.
I have 3DC with international names, which will sound good in any country.
I am a foreigner as well, but listening to the advice of the relatives is not part of my culture. I could choose any name I like without the fear of somebody " frown upon".

[MiddleAgeMiddleEngland]

I once worked with a little Yaqub, I don't think anyone had any trouble with it - and this was in a very English middle-class context. I think it's a lovely name.

He was a really delightful child which may have biased my opinion!