Jack
Jack is a boy name of English origin meaning “God is gracious”, pronounced JAK. It ranked #15 in the United States in 2025, given to 8,748 babies, and peaked at #11 in 2021. Common nicknames: Jackie, J.
How popular is Jack in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Jack mean, and where does it come from?
Jack began in medieval England as a pet form of John, filtered through the Old French Jankin or Jacques, and ultimately traces back to the Hebrew "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious." It became so common it evolved into a standalone name and a generic term for "the common man," as in the phrase "every man jack." For centuries Jack functioned mainly as a nickname, but it overtook John itself in popularity as an independent given name during the late twentieth century. Its brevity, warmth, and everyman charm have made it one of the most enduring boy names across the English-speaking world.
How is Jack used around the world?
Jack is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 63+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Jack?
Famous People Named Jack
- Jack Nicholson — American actor
- Jack Black — American actor and musician
- Jack Kerouac — American novelist and poet
Similar Names to Jack
If you like Jack, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Jack
Looking for names that pair well with Jack? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Jack mean?
Jack is a boy name of English origin meaning "God is gracious." Jack began in medieval England as a pet form of John, filtered through the Old French Jankin or Jacques, and ultimately traces back to the Hebrew "Yochanan," meaning "God is gracious." It became so common it evolved into a standalone name and a generic term for "the common man," as in the phrase "every man jack.
How do you pronounce Jack?
Jack is pronounced JAK. Common variations include Jax, Jock, Jak.
Is Jack a boy name?
Yes, Jack is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Jackie, J.