Jack is a given name of English origin. In modern usage, Jack is often a given name on its own, although it can be used as a diminutive of other given names. 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 much lesser extent as a female 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.
Origin Jack is derived from the Middle English diminutive Jackin, an alteration of Jankin. Jankin is a diminutive of Jan which is derived from the Old French name Jehan, a form of John. Alternatively, it may be derived from an anglicisation of Jacques, the French form of the name James or Jacob. Both the name and the word "jack" were long used as a term to refer to any man (including boys), especially of the common classes.
Frequency In several English-speaking countries, Jack has become used as a formal given name and is now more popular than John, James, or Jacob. During the first decade of the 21st century, Jack was the most common given name for boys in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Australia, and grew in popularity in the United States and Canada. Jack appeared on the lists of the most frequently used male-baby names in the UK for 2003–2007. From 2000 to 2024, Jack was either the number 1 or 2 most popular name for baby boys in Ireland. In 2008, 2009, 2010, and 2013, Jack was the most common name given to boys in Australia. The frequency of Jack as a baby name in the US has steadily increased from the 160–170 rank prior to 1991 to a rank of 11 in 2021. In 2022, it was the tenth most common name given to boys in Canada.
Other uses in English The name Jack is unusual in the English language for its frequent use as a noun or verb for many common objects and actions, and in many compound words and phrases. Examples include implements, such as a car jack, knucklebones (the game jacks), or the jack in bowls. The word is also used in other words and phrases such as: apple jack, hijack, jack of clubs (playing card), jack straw (scarecrow), jack tar (sailor), jack-in-the-box, jack-of-all-trades, Jack the lad, jack o'lantern, jackdaw, jackhammer, jackknife, jackpot, lumberjack, Union Jack, etc. The history of the word is linked to the name being used as a by-name for a man.
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