Jack Name Meaning
Jack is often used as a boy name. Learn more about the meaning, origin, and popularity of the name Jack.
Fact checked by Karen Cilli
Looking for a strong, traditional name for your baby? Jack might be the perfect pick for you.
The name Jack is a derivative of John, which originated in medieval England. The name went from John to Johnkin to Jankin to Jackin to, you guessed it, Jack. Jack is also Celtic in origin, with a meaning of "healthy, strong, and full of vital energy."
Interestingly, the name was so common in the Middle Ages that Jack became a generic term for a man. Think about the phrase "jack of all trades" (a person who can do many different types of work).
Plus, the J name is frequently used in fairy tales and nursery rhymes, such as "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Jack and Jill," "Little Jack Horner," and "Jack Sprat."
Origin: English
Gender: Jack is traditionally the masculine form of the name and means "God is Gracious." However, both Jack and Jac are considered gender-neutral. Feminine variations, such as Jacklyn and Jacqueline are common.
Pronunciation: Jak
Editor's Note
Although many baby names are separated by gender, Parents believes that sex does not need to play a role in your name selection process. It’s important to select a name that you feel suits your new baby the best.
Kay Fochtmann / EyeEm / Getty Images
How Popular Is the Name Jack?
Jack is a solid, classic American name with worldwide appeal. In 2022, Jack was the 15th most popular boy name in the US. The traditional name has remained in the top 50 since 2000.
In 2020, Jack was also the number one name in both Scotland and Ireland. Its worldwide appeal doesn't stop there: Australia, England, and New Zealand count the name Jack in their top 10 boys' names lists.
Name Variations
Similar Names
Alexander
Benjamin
Carter
Finn
Henry
Jude
Liam
William
Owen
Samuel
Other boy names starting with "J" include:
Jackson
Jacques
Jacob
Jake
James
Jayden
Jeremiah
Jesus
John
Jonathan
Jordan
Jude
Judah
Justin
Common Nicknames
Common nicknames for Jack include:
Jackie
Jackers
John
Suggested Sibling Names
Alexander
Benjamin
Carter
Jessica
Liam
Max
Charlotte
Ella
Jane
Olivia
Rose
Famous People Named Jack
Notable people named Jack include actors, artists, athletes, and politicians. The name and its variations have been popular in literature, in music and even in nursery rhymes.
Famous Jacks
Jack Black, American actor, comedian, and musician
Jack Johnson, American singer and songwriter
Jack Kerouac, American novelist and poet
Jack Nicholson, American actor
Jack Nicklaus, American golfer
Jack White, American singer, songwriter, and producer
Famous Jackies
Jackie Gleason, an American actor, comedian, writer, composer, and conductor
Jackie Chan, martial artist, actor, film director, producer, stuntman, and singer
Jackie (Jacqueline) Kennedy Onassis, was an American writer, book editor and first lady of the United States
Jackie Roosevelt Robinson, American baseball player
Famous Jacksons
Jackson Pollock, American painter and prominent artist in the abstract expressionist movement.
Jackson Browne, American singer-songwriter and musician
Fictional Jacks
Jack Dawson, portrayed by Leonardo DiCaprio, is the handsome deuteragonist in James Cameron's Titanic.
Dr. Jack Shephard, portrayed by Matthew Fox, is the protagonist of the ABC television series Lost.
Captain Jack Sparrow, played by Johnny Depp, is the main protagonist of the Pirates of the Caribbean film series.
Jack Ryan, a character in Tom Clancy novels, adapted for TV and film.
John Daniel Edward "Jack" Torrance, the main character of Stephen King's horror novel and film The Shining.
Jack Spriggins, from "Jack and the Beanstalk," an English fairytale.
More Baby Names
Still searching for the perfect baby name? Check out these related baby name lists for even more options:
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Read the original article on Parents.
