The name Jack is of English origin and is a diminutive form of the given name John. It has been in use since medieval times and was originally used as a nickname for someone who had the qualities of a jack, a type of hoist or pulley. Over time, it evolved into a given name in its own right.
The meaning of the name Jack is "God is gracious" or "may God protect." This interpretation comes from the Hebrew name John, which was derived from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning "gracious gift from God."
Throughout history, the name Jack has been popular among various cultures and countries. In the United States, it was one of the most common names for boys in the early 20th century, and it remains a popular choice today. In France, it is known as Jacques, which also means "God is gracious."
Some famous individuals with the name Jack include:
* Jack Kerouac (1922-1969), an American novelist and poet
* Jack Nicholson (born 1937), an American actor
* Jack Black (born 1969), an American actor and musician
Overall, the name Jack has a strong and memorable sound, and its meaning makes it a suitable choice for parents looking for a name that honors God's grace. Its enduring popularity across different cultures and time periods is a testament to its versatility and appeal as a given name.
The name Jack experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a total of 739,609 births recorded between 1880 and 2023. While it started with relatively low numbers in the late 19th century, peaking at around 400 births per year by the early 1900s, it then surged dramatically to reach over 10,000 births annually during the mid-1990s. Since then, its popularity has remained quite high, oscillating between approximately 8,000 and 10,000 births per year until the most recent years available in this dataset.