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Jackson

♂ Boy

Pronounced JAK-sun /ˈdʒæk.sən/High

Meaning: Son of Jack; son of John; ultimately 'God is gracious'High

In 30 seconds: An English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jack,' Jackson carries the spirit of American history and music, and has ranked in the U.S. top 25 boys' names for over two decades.
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Origin HighOld English, Hebrew
MeaningSon of Jack; son of John; ultimately 'God is gracious'
Peak year2013
Total births (all-time)≈ 228,925

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201318802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jackson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jack' or 'son of John,' as Jack is a medieval diminutive of John. The surname was formed in medieval England and became widespread. Through John's Hebrew root Yochanan, the name ultimately means 'God is gracious.'

Jackson was used as a given name in honor of President Andrew Jackson (1767–1845), following the American tradition of naming children after admired leaders. It grew steadily through the 20th century and surged in the 1990s, entering the U.S. top 25 where it has remained.

Did you know? Jackson is the surname of two U.S. presidents (Andrew Jackson, 7th; Andrew Johnson is different) and an entire artistic movement — Abstract Expressionism's Jackson Pollock. It is also the hometown of the Mississippi Delta blues and the birthplace of Michael Jackson.

Variations

JaxonJaxsonJax

Nicknames

JackJaxJacky

Famous Bearers

  • ★Andrew Jackson (1767–1845)
    7th President of the United States.
  • ★Jackson Pollock (1912–1956)
    American painter, pioneer of Abstract Expressionism.

If you like Jackson…

Mason— fellow occupational/patronymic surname-origin boys' name
Logan— shares the American rugged surname-as-first-name appeal
Hunter— another bold surname-origin name with frontier energy
Hudson— shares the explorer-spirit American surname feel
Carter— another presidential-era surname enjoying sustained popularity

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jackson mean?

Jackson is an English patronymic surname meaning 'son of Jack' (or John), which traces through medieval English to the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious.'

How do you pronounce Jackson?

Jackson is said JAK-sun /ˈdʒæk.sən/ — two syllables, with stress on the first.

Is Jackson a boy or girl name?

Jackson is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Jackson?

Jackson has ranked in the U.S. top 25 boys' names since the early 2000s and entered the top 20 in recent years.