Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Jackson

Jackson is the transferred use of a patronymic surname (i.e., passed from the father). The name, quite obviously, means "son of Jack" with Jack being an English diminutive of John (others argue that Jack is a diminutive of Jacques which is the French form of Jacob). However, among English speakers, the nickname Jack has always been associated with John. John originated from the Hebrew "Yochanan" meaning “Yahweh is gracious” (see the name John for more detail). The surname first appeared in the 14th century in both England and Scotland and was variously recorded as Jackessone, Jacson, Jakson, Jagson and Jaxon. It is also one of the earliest surnames to appear in the New World (America) among colonizers of the early 17th century. Jankin and Jackin (eventually shortened to Jack) were common pet forms of John in medieval England; and, because John was such a common personal name, the surname Jackson became quite ubiquitous, as well. Jack also became a slang term for “man, male” in general (sort of like John Doe or Joe Blow). As a result, Jack was frequently used as the title boy character in fairy tales (Jack & Jill, Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack Sprat, Little Jack Horner, etc). As a masculine given name, Jackson has been in circulation among Americans for over a century, most likely in homage to the 7th U.S. President and war hero Andrew Jackson or in the South to recognize the Confederate general Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson. Today Jackson is an extremely trendy name choice for baby boys. It currently ranks the highest in the United States, but comes in close 2nd place in Canada. Jackson is also appreciated down-under in Australia where he’s a Top 40 favorite.

All About the Baby Name – Jackson

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME JACKSON

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME JACKSON

The popularity of the name Jackson really surged in the 1980s, although it's always maintained a place on the American male naming charts for over a century. The name seems to be climbing the charts in a consistent manner, and it just reached its highest point ever (#22) in 2012. More than 12,000 baby boys born in America are given the name Jackson on an annual basis right now in the United States. The name has a "coolness" factor despite its increased popularity and obvious trendiness, yet it somehow doesn’t feel overused. Mason and Logan are the only other surnames-turned-first-names enjoying more popularity than Jackson right now. Jackson has a strong and sharp sound, making it an appealing choice for many parents. Jack and Jacky are obvious pet forms. A great choice for a baby boy born to a father named John!

Quick Facts

ON JACKSON

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

16

PRONUNCIATION:

JAK-sən

SIMPLE MEANING:

Son of Jack (John)

Characteristics

OF JACKSON

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Jackson

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JACKSON

Mike is the title character of British humorist P. G. Wodehouse’s 1909 “schoolboy novel”, Mike. Mike is in the classic tradition of a P. G. Wodehouse character – British upper class golden age public school boy, a little short on the intellectual side, long on sports, especially cricket, and all around good fellow, if rather benignly mischievous. This from the creator of Jeeves and Bertie, after all. It makes one quite nostalgic, especially if one is American and takes most of one’s British cues from “Downton Abbey”. Sticky wicket, and all that. At any rate, Mike’s time is long gone, but his type is not, and it is admirable in its own way.

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Jackson

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JACKSON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Jackson


Popular Songs

ON JACKSON

Halley Came To Jackson
by Mary Chapin Carpenter

George Jackson
a song by Bob Dylan

The Jackson Song
a song by Patti Smith

Jackson-Kent Blues
a song by Steve Miller

Jackson, Mississippi
a song by Kid Rock

Jackson Cage
a song by Bruce Springsteen

Jackson
a song by Nancy Sinatra

Famous People

NAMED JACKSON

Jackson Pollock (artist)
Jackson Browne (musician)
singing and dancing child genius

Children of Famous People

NAMED JACKSON

Elton John; Michael Jackson;

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JACKSON

Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the United States, serving terms between 1829 and 1837. He ran his campaign on his celebrated war-hero status, having defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans. As such, he was extremely popular with the common man and adroitly manipulated their support into office. His 1828 bid for presidency was often considered the “dirtiest” campaign in history, and his opponents referred to him as “Jackass” (which he promptly adopted as the mascot of his Democratic party). As an iron-willed, intimidating manager with a furious temper, people either loved him or hated him. Unafraid, he made politics personal and he abhorred losing. He was given the nickname “Old Hickory” as homage to his toughness.

Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the United States, serving terms between 1829 and 1837. He ran his campaign on his celebrated war-hero status, having defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans. As such, he was extremely popular with the common man and adroitly manipulated their support into office. His 1828 bid for presidency was often considered the “dirtiest” campaign in history, and his opponents referred to him as “Jackass” (which he promptly adopted as the mascot of his Democratic party). As an iron-willed, intimidating manager with a furious temper, people either loved him or hated him. Unafraid, he made politics personal and he abhorred losing. He was given the nickname “Old Hickory” as homage to his toughness.

Jackson Pollack is a celebrated American artist most famous for his large canvas paintings - his "drip period" - from the late 1940's to early 1950's. He was a major figure in the "abstract expressionist" movement and the first American abstract painter to be taken seriously in Europe. His works are displayed in museums across America.

Andrew Jackson was the 7th President of the United States, serving terms between 1829 and 1837. He ran his campaign on his celebrated war-hero status, having defeated the British at the Battle of New Orleans. As such, he was extremely popular with the common man and adroitly manipulated their support into office. His 1828 bid for presidency was often considered the “dirtiest” campaign in history, and his opponents referred to him as “Jackass” (which he promptly adopted as the mascot of his Democratic party). As an iron-willed, intimidating manager with a furious temper, people either loved him or hated him. Unafraid, he made politics personal and he abhorred losing. He was given the nickname “Old Hickory” as homage to his toughness.