Derived from Jackin (earlier Jankin), a medieval diminutive of JOHN. It is often regarded as an independent name. During the Middle Ages it was very common, and it became a slang word meaning "man". It was frequently used in fairy tales and nursery rhymes, such as 'Jack and the Beanstalk', 'Little Jack Horner', and 'Jack Sprat'. American writers Jack London (1876-1916) and Jack Kerouac (1922-1969) were two famous bearers of this name. It is also borne by American actor Jack Nicholson (1937-).
Famous People: Jack Nicholsonwiki (Actor, 1937, United States), Jack Londonwiki (Writer, 1876, United States), Jack the Ripperwiki (Extremist, 1850, United Kingdom), Jack Kerouacwiki (Writer, 1922, United States), Jack Lemmonwiki (Actor, 1925, United States), Jack Blackwiki (Actor, 1969, United States), Jack Kilbywiki (Engineer, 1923, United States), Jack W. Szostakwiki (Biologist, 1952, United Kingdom), Jack Rubywiki (Mafioso, 1911, United States), Jack Steinbergerwiki (Physicist, 1921, Germany)