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Jack

Meaning: God is gracious (from John) · Origin: English · Gender: usually a boy's name

Origin & history

A medieval English pet form of John (via Jankin), so it ultimately shares John's Hebrew meaning, 'God is gracious'.

Famous people named Jack

Jack London (writer)
Jack Nicholson (actor)

Nicknames

Jackie, Jacky

Variants & related names

Jacques, Jock

Jack name art

A free preview of a printable “Jack” poster with its meaning — great for a nursery, a birthday or a gift.

Instant download, no subscription. Not printed or shipped — you get a high-resolution PNG to print at home or at a print shop.

FAQ

What does the name Jack mean?

Jack means “God is gracious (from John)”. It comes from English.

Is Jack a popular name?

Yes — Jack has been one of the most popular boys' names in the United States in the 2020s, according to US Social Security Administration baby-name data.

What are nicknames for Jack?

Jackie, Jacky.

What are other forms of Jack?

Jacques, Jock.

Similar names

Edwin · Hayden · Wade · Archer · Sonny · Hudson

More: names starting with J · all boys' names

Sources: standard name etymology references (e.g. Behind the Name, Oxford Dictionary of First Names); popularity from US SSA and UK ONS baby-name data. Meanings of old names are often debated — where scholars disagree we say so.