Origin & Meaning of the Jackson Surname
What does the last name Jackson mean?
The surname Jackson carries the meaning "Son of Jack." It is derived from the Middle English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 708,099 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Jackson ranks as the #19 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Jackson come from?
The Jackson surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Jackson name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Jackson trace back to Middle English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Jackson |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Son of Jack |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Middle English |
| US Rank (2010) | #19 |
| US Count (2010) | 708,099 |
| Per 100K People | 240.05 |
| First Letter | J |
Ethnic Distribution of Jackson
According to the US Census, the Jackson surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 708,099 Americans with the Jackson last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 39.89% |
| Black | 53.04% |
| Hispanic | 2.5% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.39% |
| Native American | 1.06% |
| Two or More Races | 3.12% |
Popularity of Jackson Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Jackson surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Jackson surname increased by 41,974 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Jackson
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Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Jackson.
Frequently Asked Questions About Jackson
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