Jackson Surname

A Fun, Fact-Filled Look at the Meaning and Origin of the
Last Name Jackson

Jackson Name Meaning

The last name Jackson has a deep-rooted history. It’s a patronymic surname, which means it was created from the name of a father or ancestor. The name has its origins in the English language, and when translated, it essentially means “son of Jack.” But who was Jack? Well, Jack was actually a more informal or nickname version of the name John. The name John has roots in the Hebrew name Yochanan, which translates to ‘Yahweh is gracious.’ Thus, when you break it down, the surname Jackson subtly implies being ‘the son of the gracious one.’

Jackson Last Name Variations

Virtually all surnames have developed phonetic and spelling variations over many centuries in many countries. A person’s last name was often spelled however it sounded to the person recording it.

When you’re researching your branch of the Jackson family tree, you may find that your ancestors used one or more of these variations of the Jackson surname: Jocson, Jakson, Jacson, Jaksan, Jaakson, Jakshan, Yakson, Jaxon, Jacksen, Yackson, Jaiksan, Jaksen, Jhocson, Jakcson, Jockson, Jaksoń, Jacksson, Sacksen, Zackson, Jokson.

Jackson Last Name Origin

The last name Jackson first emerged in the borderlands between England and Scotland, an area often fraught with conflict and cultural exchange. Over time, it spread throughout the British Isles, becoming especially prevalent in England, where it still remains common today​.

The earliest known use of the Jackson surname is found in historical records dating back to the 13th century. The Hundredorum Rolls of 1273, a series of census-like documents compiled during the reign of King Edward I, listed two families in Cambridgeshire with names that can be seen as precursors to Jackson: Robert filius Jake and Henricus filius Jake. The term “filius” is Latin for “son of,” making these names early examples of the patronymic naming convention that would eventually give rise to the Jackson surname​.

By the 14th century, the surname had evolved into forms more similar to the modern name Jackson. The first instance of the Jackson surname as we know it today dates back to 1327 in the Subsidy Rolls of Suffolk, England, where Adam Jackessone was recorded. The Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379, another series of historical records, listed several individuals with such names: Johannes Jakson, Willelmus Jacson, Robertus Jackeson, and Willelmus Jakeson. These records demonstrate the gradual development and standardization of the surname over time​.

Jackson Geography

The Jackson surname ranks as the 383rd most common last name around the world and can be found in more than 200 countries. It’s estimated that approximately 1 in 5,500 people bear this name.

Predominantly, the name is found in the Americas, with 67% of all Jacksons residing there; of this, 65% are located in North America. In the United States, the Jackson surname is particularly common, being held by about 831,000 people. The distribution within the country shows the most Jacksons in Texas (11%), California (7%), and Georgia (6%).

The Jackson surname is also prevalent in England, where about 10% of all Jacksons live, and Tanzania, which is home to 9% of individuals with this last name.

Jackson Baronies

A baron or baroness is a noble or honorific status that is either inherited or bestowed. It refers to someone who is below a duke, marquess, earl, and viscount but above a lord and knight. My Lord or Your Lordship is used when directly addressing a baron. My Lady or Your Ladyship is used when directly addressing a baroness.

There have been two hereditary baronies held by people with the last name Jackson:

Baron Allerton, of Chapel Allerton in the West Riding of the County of Yorkshire, was created on July 17, 1902, for William Lawies Jackson (1840-1917). He was a prominent British businessman and Conservative politician. William took over his father’s business and became a prominent figure in the leather industry, and he also served as Chairman of the Great Northern Railway​. As a politician, he served two terms as Financial Secretary to the Treasury and was appointed Chief Secretary for Ireland in 1891. The title became extinct on the death of his grandson, George William Lawies Jackson (1903-1991), the third Baron.

Baron Jackson was created on July 6, 1945, for William Frederick Jackson (1893-1954), a British fruit farmer and politician. He was known for his scientific cultivation of fruits, particularly apples, plums, and strawberries, on over 400 intensively cultivated acres in Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire. This innovative approach to farming led him to become an authority on farming matters, both by farming organizations and the government. As a politician, William served as the Member of Parliament for Brecon & Radnor from 1939 to 1945. In Parliament, he championed the interests of small farmers and cultivators and was a strong advocate for free trade​. The barony became extinct upon his death.

Jackson Baronetcies

A baronet is someone who has received a baronetcy, a hereditary title from the British Crown. They rank below barons but above knights, with the exception of the Knights of the Garter in England and The Order of the Thistle in Scotland. Baronets are addressed as “Sir (forename),” and their wives are addressed as “Lady (surname).”

Eight baronetcies have been created for people with the last name Jackson:

The Jackson Baronetcy of Hickleton in the County of York, was created on December 31, 1660, for John Jackson (c. 1631 – c. 1670). The title became extinct c. 1730.

The Jackson Baronetcy of Hartham House (later known as the Duckett Baronetcy) in the County of Wiltshire was created on June 21, 1791, for George Jackson (1725–1822). George was prominent in politics and naval administration. He married Grace Duckett, the daughter of landowner George Duckett of Hartham, as his second wife. In 1797, George adopted the surname Duckett instead of Jackson, in accordance with the will of Grace’s uncle, Thomas Duckett. His son from his second marriage succeeded him. The title ended with the death of the third Baronet in 1902.

The Jackson Baronetcy of Fort Hill was created on April 21, 1813, for George Jackson (1770-1846). George was a prominent politician of Anglo-Irish descent. Between 1789 and 1796, he served as the Member of Parliament for Coleraine in the Irish House of Commons. He then represented Randalstown from 1797 until the Acts of Union 1800 led to the seat’s disenfranchisement. The title ceased to exist following his death in 1846.

The Jackson Baronetcy of Arlsey in Bedfordshire was created on June 21, 1815, for Sir John Jackson (1763–1820), a British politician and businessman. Born in Kingston, Jamaica, John began his career as a ship’s purser and later served as secretary to Vice-Admiral George Keith Elphinstone, the Commander-in-Chief, Cape of Good Hope, after the Invasion of the Cape Colony. He was elected Member of Parliament for Dover at the 1806 United Kingdom general election. In 1807, John joined the East India Company’s court of directors. The baronetcy is currently held by Sir Neil Keith Jackson (b. 1952), 9th Baronet.

The Jackson Baronetcy of The Manor House in Birkenhead was created on November 4, 1869, for William Jackson (1805-1876). William was an English industrialist, railway entrepreneur, and Liberal politician who served in the House of Commons between 1847 and 1868. He made his first fortune as an African merchant trading in palm oil. He also played a significant role in the development of Birkenhead and was one of the principal originators of the Birkenhead Docks. William’s various industrial interests in the area led him into partnership with Thomas Brassey, with whom he built the Grand Trunk Railway of Canada in 1852. Jackson was a parliamentary reformer and a forceful advocate of free trade. The baronetcy is currently held by Sir (William) Roland Cedric Jackson, 9th Baronet.

The Jackson Baronetcy of Stansted House in the County of Essex was created on July 24, 1902, for Sir Thomas Jackson (1841-1915), an Irish-born businessman who played a major role in financing the development of Colonial Hong Kong​. At the age of 35, he was appointed chief manager of HSBC, a position he held with only brief intermissions until 1902. During his tenure, he was instrumental in making HSBC the premiere bank in Asia, earning him the title of the bank’s “Great Architect.”​ After his retirement, he was honored with a statue in Hong Kong’s Statue Square in recognition of his services to the bank and Hong Kong. The statue remains to this day. He is also commemorated in his native Ireland with a stained glass window in Creggan Anglican Church, County Armagh​. The baronetcy is currently held by Sir Thomas St. Felix Jackson, 6th Baronet.

The Jackson Baronetcy of Eagle House in Wimbledon in the County of Surrey, was created on February 10. 1913, for Thomas Graham Jackson (1835-1924), a prominent British architect. Thomas’ notable projects include the Oxford Military College at Cowley, the university’s Examination Schools, and most of Hertford College (including the Bridge of Sighs over New College Lane). He was also a prolific author of architectural history. His work, “Dalmatia, the Quarnero and Istria with Cettigne in Montenegro and the Island of Grado” (3 volumes), published in 1887, remains a fundamental source of knowledge of the geography, art, architecture, and social life of Dalmatia. The baronetcy is currently held by Sir Nicholas Fane St. George Jackson, 3rd Baronet.

The Jackson Baronetcy of Wandsworth in the County of Surrey, was established on July 4, 1935, for Henry Jackson (1875–1937). Henry was a British mineralogist who later transitioned into a career in politics with the Conservative Party. In addition to his baronetcy, Henry was knighted on March 1, 1924. The baronetcy became extinct upon his death.

Jacksons That Shaped History

William Jackson: A Founding Father of the United States

William Jackson (1759-1828) was a prominent figure in the American Revolution and one of the Founding Fathers of the United States. He was the secretary to the 1787 United States Constitutional Convention, a role in which he was responsible for maintaining the secrecy of the Convention’s proceedings, keeping official minutes, and destroying many of the proceedings’ other records. He added his signature to the United States Constitution, specifically signing “Attest William Jackson Secretary” to confirm four corrections that had been made to the document.

After the Convention, William had the honor of reading the Constitution to the Congress of the Confederation, assembled in New York City, on September 20, 1787.

William also served with distinction in the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. When the war ended, he served as one of President George Washington’s personal secretaries.

Andrew Jackson: President of the United States

Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), the seventh President of the United States, was born into humble circumstances on March 15, 1767, in Waxhaw, South Carolina. He rose to become a national war hero after the Battle of New Orleans during the War of 1812. His reputation for boldness and tenacity earned him the nickname “Old Hickory.”

Andrew’s presidency, which spanned from 1829 to 1837, was marked by populist policies and strong executive leadership. He implemented the controversial Indian Removal Act, leading to the forced relocation of Native American tribes in the Southeast to lands west of the Mississippi River, known as the Trail of Tears. Despite his contentious policies, Andrew is recognized for advocating for the rights of the common man against a “corrupt aristocracy,” helping to shape the modern Democratic Party.

“Gentleman” John Jackson: Pioneer in the Sport of Boxing

John Jackson (1768-1845) was a prominent figure in the world of boxing during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. His natural talent and dedication to the sport propelled him to become one of the most revered boxers of his time.

Known for his elegant style and refined technique, John gained the nickname “Gentleman” for his dignified demeanor both inside and outside the ring. His skill and strategic approach to boxing were unmatched, leading him to numerous victories and the distinction of being the Champion of England from 1795 to 1803.

Beyond his success in the ring, John was instrumental in shaping the sport itself, advocating for the adoption of modern boxing rules and promoting fair play and sportsmanship. In 1954, he was inducted into the Ring Boxing Hall of Fame followed by the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 1992.

James Caleb Jackson: Inventor of Dry, Whole Grain Breakfast Cereal

James Caleb Jackson (1811-1895) was an American nutritionist known for inventing the first dry, whole grain breakfast cereal called “Granula.”

After experiencing health issues, James underwent a ‘water cure’ at a spa, leading him to become a strong advocate for hydropathy. In 1858, he took over the ‘Our Home Hygienic Institute’ at Dansville, New York, which became one of the largest spas in the world. James believed diet was fundamental to improving health and promoted a vegetarian diet emphasizing fruits, vegetables, and unprocessed grains. His contributions to nutrition and health reform notably influenced the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

“Stonewall” Jackson: One of the Best Tactical Military Leaders in U.S. History

Thomas Jonathan Jackson (1824-1863) was a general in the Confederate States Army during the American Civil War. He was involved in nearly all military engagements in the Eastern theater of the war. According to many military historians, he was one of the most gifted tactical commanders in U.S. history.

When Virginia seceded from the United States in May 1861, Thomas joined the Confederate States Army. He distinguished himself by commanding a brigade at the First Battle of Bull Run in July, providing crucial reinforcements and beating back a fierce Union assault. This earned him the nickname “Stonewall.”

Jackson’s military capabilities were marked by great audacity, shrewd use of the terrain, and an uncommon ability to inspire his troops to great feats of marching and fighting. However, Jackson’s legacy is not without controversy. He neither condemned nor advocated for slavery. He probably opposed the institution, but in his mind, the Creator had sanctioned slavery, and man had no moral right to challenge its existence.

Michael Jackson: Entertainer and Cultural Icon

Michael Joseph Jackson (1958-2009) was one of the most significant cultural figures in the history of music. His innovative blend of pop, soul, funk, and rock, coupled with his unique and emotive vocal style, revolutionized the landscape of popular music and set new standards for artistic creativity and commercial success.

Michael’s pioneering use of music videos as a promotional tool revolutionized the way music was marketed and consumed, and his highly choreographed performances, particularly his signature dance move, became iconic symbols. His personal style, from his trademark fedora and sequin glove to his military-inspired jackets, had a significant influence on fashion trends worldwide.

Places Named Jackson in America

• Jackson, Alabama
• Jackson, California
• Jackson, Georgia
• Jackson, Idaho
• Jackson, Illinois
• Jackson, Indiana
• Jackson, Iowa
• Jackson, Kentucky
• Jackson, Louisiana
• Jackson, Maine
• Jackson, Maryland
• Jackson, Michigan
• Jackson, Minnesota
• Jackson, Mississippi
• Jackson, Missouri
• Jackson, Montana
• Jackson, Nebraska
• Jackson, New Hampshire
• Jackson, New Jersey
• Jackson, North Carolina
• Jackson, Ohio
• Jackson, Pennsylvania
• Jackson, Rhode Island
• Jackson, South Carolina
• Jackson, Tennessee
• Jackson, Texas
• Jackson, Virginia
• Jackson, Washington
• Jackson, West Virginia
• Jackson, Wisconsin
• Jackson, Wyoming

Places Named Jackson Outside America

• Jackson, Queensland, Australia
• Jackson, Saint Thomas, Barbados
• Jackson, Samana, Dominican Republic
• Jackson, Sud-Est, Haiti
• Jackson, Taranaki, New Zealand
• Jackson, Wellington, New Zealand
• Jackson, Northern Cape, South Africa

Jackson DNA Project

A Jackson DNA Project is hosted by FamilyTreeDNA. The main goal of the project is to identify and unite the various branches of the Jackson family tree through DNA test results. Currently, there are over 1,300 participants.

Jackson Ancestry Resources

1. The general armory of England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales: Comprising a registry of armorial bearings from the earliest to the present time. London: Harrison.
2. “The Peerage – Index to Baronets.”
3. “Baronetage.” Leigh Rayment’s Peerage Page.
4. “John Jackson.” International Boxing Hall of Fame.
5. “William Jackson (1759-1828).” U.S. Army Center of Military History, United States Army.