Jack (given name)
Illustration of Jack from the English fairy tale Jack and the Beanstalk | |
| Pronunciation | /dʒæk/ |
|---|---|
| Gender | Unisex |
| Language(s) | English |
| Origin | |
| Language(s) | English |
| Word/name | Middle English, indirect diminutive of "John" or from an anglicized form of French "Jacques" |
| Meaning | "Yahweh has been Gracious", "Graced by Yahweh" (John), "He may/will/shall follow/heed/seize-by-the-heel/watch/guard/protect”, "Supplanter/Assailant", "May God protect" or "May he protect" (Jacques), and possibly "health" |
| Region of origin | England |
| Other names | |
| Nickname(s) | Jackie, Jacky, Jay |
| Related names | John, James, Jacob, Jackson, Jacques, Jacqueline, Jock |
Jack is a given name of English origin, originally a diminutive of John. Alternatively it may commonly be a diminutive of Jacob, its French variant Jacques, or given names like Jackson which have been derived from surnames. Since the late 20th century, Jack has become one of the most common names for boys in many English-speaking countries. Jack is also used to a lesser extent as a female given name, often as a shortened version of Jacqueline.
The word "jack" is also commonly used in other contexts in English for many occupations, objects and actions, linked to the use of the word as a metaphor for a common man.