Jack

♀ Girl

Pronounced JAK /ˈdʒæk/High

Meaning: A classic English pet form of John ('God is gracious'), long a standalone name in its own right. Used here for a girl though it is overwhelmingly a boy's name.Medium

In 30 seconds: A short, sturdy classic: Jack is a pet form of John, 'God is gracious' (said 'JAK'). More often a boy's name — we note the lean.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningA classic English pet form of John ('God is gracious'), long a standalone name in its own right. Used here for a girl though it is overwhelmingly a boy's name.

U.S. rank (2025)#13886 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1928

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,734

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Jack is an English pet form of John ('God is gracious'), so old and well-worn it became its own name centuries ago. As a girl's name it is rare and reads as a bold, boyish pick; more often a boy's name, which we note (said 'JAK').

For girls it appears only rarely in the U.S., against far heavier boys' use. Rare, crisp, and classic.

Did you know? Jack grew up as a friendly nickname for John ('God is gracious') and became a beloved standalone name of its own. It is used here for a girl, though it remains overwhelmingly a boys' name, which we note (said 'JAK').

Overall data confidence 55%

References — Jack — English pet form of John; cross-sex, boy-leaning

Variations

JakJacksJax

Nicknames

JackieJax

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Jack…

John— the classic name Jack shortens

Jax— a like short, punchy cousin

Jamie— a like cross-sex short pick

Jane— another English name

Joyce— another short pick

Explore names like Jack

By themeclassic short cross-sex unisex-lean-boy

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Jack mean?

Jack is an English pet form of John, meaning 'God is gracious,' long used as a name of its own.

How do you pronounce Jack?

It's said JAK /ˈdʒæk/ — one syllable.

Is Jack a boy or girl name?

Jack is used for both, but far more often for boys — we note the lean.

How popular is Jack?

Jack is rare for girls in the U.S. and much more common for boys.