Jack

What does the baby name Jack mean? Learn about what Jack means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Jack - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Jack
J-A-C-K, is a 4-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Jack
JAK
Meaning of Jack
God is gracious, diminutive form of john or jackson, god is merciful, supplanter or substitute.
Origin of Jack
The name 'Jack' has a rich history that dates back centuries. It is derived from the Middle English name Jankin, which itself is a diminutive form of the name John. John, in turn, comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious'. The earliest known use of the name 'Jack' can be traced back to the 13th century, where it was commonly used as a nickname for John.
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Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Jack
Anno
Cobb
Cobby
Eadan
Eadin
Ean
Eion
Eoghan
Eoin
Evan
Ewan
Ewen
Giacobo
Giacomo
Giacopo
Gian
Giannes
Gianni
Giannini
Giovanni
Hamish
Hanan
Handel
Hannes
Hanno
Hannus
Hans
Hanschen
Hansel
Hansli
Hanz
Iacopo
Iacovo
Iago
Iain
Iakob
Iakobos
Iakov
Ian
Ioannes
Ivan
Ivann
Iwan
Jackie
Jacko
Jackson
Jacky
Jaco
Jacob
Jacobo
Jacopo
Jacques
Jacquet
Jago
Jaime
Jake
Jakobus
Jakov
Jakson
James
Jamie
Jamsey
Jan
Janek
Jankiel
Janko
Janne
Janos
Jansci
Jasha
Jawaun
Jawon
Jay
Jean
Jeannot
Jehan
Jens
Jim
Jimmy
Joao
Jock
Johan
Johann
Johannes
John
Johnnie
Johnny
Jon
Jona
Jontai
Jovan
Juan
Juanito
Juwan
Owen
Seamus
Sean
Seann
Shamus
Shane
Shaughn
Shaun
Shawn
Vanek
Vanko
Vanya
Yaacob
Yaakov
Yacov
Yakov
Yanni
Yanno
Zane
Popularity of Jack
Over the years, the name 'Jack' has experienced fluctuations in popularity. It reached its peak in the late 19th century, when it was one of the most popular names for boys in English-speaking countries. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the influence of literature, particularly the character 'Jack' Dawkins, also known as the Artful Dodger, from Charles Dickens' novel 'Oliver Twist'. The name 'Jack' has remained a popular choice ever since, consistently ranking among the top names for boys.
Jack currently has 4826 likes, and is in the top 1% of liked boy's names. The name Joseph is slightly more popular than Jack.

Etymology of Jack

The etymology of the name 'Jack' is closely tied to its origin language, Middle English. It is believed to have originated as a medieval diminutive of the name John, which itself has Hebrew roots. The Hebrew name Yochanan translates to 'Yahweh is gracious', reflecting the belief in a merciful and benevolent God. This linguistic journey highlights the interconnectedness of different cultures and languages throughout history.

Cultural Significance of Jack

The name 'Jack' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In English folklore, 'Jack' is a common character in traditional tales and nursery rhymes. He is often portrayed as a clever and resourceful young man who outwits his adversaries. This cultural association has contributed to the name's enduring popularity and positive connotations.