Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jackson
BoyEnglish· “son of Jack”
- Meaning
- son of Jack
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- JAK-suhn
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #36
- US babies 2025
- 6,582
- Best rank
- #14 (2021)
- Peak year
- 2013
Meaning and origin of Jackson
Jackson is an English name that means “son of Jack”.
Jackson is an English patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack", and Jack itself developed as a medieval pet form of John. As a surname it became prominent in America through Andrew Jackson, the seventh president, and Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson, the Confederate general. Jackson Pollock, the abstract painter, is a notable bearer of it as a first name. Its use as a given name accelerated in recent decades, when surname names with a strong final consonant became fashionable. The name feels energetic and approachable, and Jack is a ready-made nickname. It pairs easily with classic middle names such as James or Thomas.
Popularity over time
Jackson has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #14 in 2021, and the most babies received it in 2013, when 12,610 were named Jackson. In 2025, 6,582 babies were named Jackson, and it ranked #36 nationally. That is 46% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #389 in 1920, #524 in 1950, #504 in 1980, #72 in 2000, #25 in 2010, and #36 in 2025. Of the 297,220 US boys named Jackson since records began, 39% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 94,488 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Luke, Eli, Colton, Jace, and Dominic.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jackson ranked highest in Alabama, Michigan, and West Virginia.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | #16 | 136 |
| Michigan | #17 | 231 |
| West Virginia | #17 | 52 |
| New Hampshire | #17 | 46 |
| Arkansas | #19 | 79 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Jackson is usually pronounced JAK-suhn, with two syllables. It has seven letters, starts with J and ends in “-on”.
Middle names for Jackson
A few middle names that flow with Jackson: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jackson
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Lists that include Jackson
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jackson mean?
Jackson is an English name that means “son of Jack”.
What is the origin of the name Jackson?
Jackson has English roots. Jackson is an English patronymic surname meaning "son of Jack", and Jack itself developed as a medieval pet form of John.
Is Jackson a popular name?
Yes. Jackson ranked #36 in the US in 2025, which makes it one of the 100 most popular names.
Is Jackson a boy or girl name?
Jackson is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Jackson?
Jackson is usually pronounced JAK-suhn. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings