Last Name Jackson

The surname Jackson is of Old French origin and derives from the name Jacque (French form of James). It was originally a nickname for a supporter of Jacques (James) or a diminutive form of Jean. The name Jackson became common in England due to the Norman Conquest, as many Normans had names with the element "Jacques" and brought it over when they invaded England in 1066. It is now found widely throughout English-speaking countries.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Jackson

The meaning and origin of the last name Jackson

The surname Jackson originates from Old English and Norman French roots, derived from the name 'Jack' which is a diminutive form of the male given name 'Geoffrey' or 'John'. It was initially used as a nickname for someone who had characteristics associated with these names, such as being lively, youthful, or strong-willed. The term 'son of Jack' would then evolve into the surname Jackson over time. The Norman French form of the name is 'Jaquemart', which was brought to England by the Normans during their conquest in 1066. Over the centuries, various spellings of the name have emerged due to phonetic changes and regional dialects. Today, Jackson is a widely distributed surname, particularly in English-speaking countries like the United States, Canada, Australia, and the United Kingdom, among others.

Geographical distribution of the last name Jackson

The surname Jackson is widely dispersed across various regions globally, with significant concentrations in Anglophone countries, particularly the United States, England, and other parts of the British Isles. In the U.S., it ranks among the top 20 most common surnames. Outside Europe, a substantial number of Jacksons can be found in Africa, primarily West Africa, due to the historical transatlantic slave trade and subsequent migration patterns. The name is also prevalent in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and parts of the Caribbean, owing to European colonization and immigration from these regions. Notably, Jackie Robinson, an iconic American baseball player, and Michael Jackson, a globally recognized pop musician, both share this surname.

Variants and spellings of the last name Jackson

The surname Jackson has several variations and spellings across different regions and periods. Some of these variations include: Jackson, Jaxon, Jaxton, Jakson, Jacksson, Jaksun, Jaxsun, Jackson-Smith (compound surname), Jakkson, Jaakkson (Scandinavian variant), Jacqsun, and possibly others due to regional phonetic differences or transcription errors. The name originated as a patronymic, derived from the personal name Jack, which is itself a diminutive of John. It is commonly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in England and the United States, but its usage can also be traced to other regions where English has been influential.

Famous people with the last name Jackson

Michael Jackson (1958-2009) is arguably the most renowned figure with the surname Jackson. As the lead singer of The Jackson 5 and later as a solo artist, he made significant contributions to popular music with hits like "Thriller," "Billie Jean," and "Beat It." He is also recognized for his innovative dance moves and style, as well as his philanthropic efforts such as raising funds for charities. Born in Gary, Indiana, Jackson's career began in the early 1960s when he was just a teenager.

Another prominent figure with the last name Jackson is Janet Damita Jo Jackson (b. 1966), Michael's younger sister. Like her brother, she found success as a singer, dancer, and actress. Known for hits like "Rhythm Nation" and "Nasty," she has sold over 100 million records worldwide. In addition to her musical career, Janet Jackson is also known for her humanitarian work and activism.

Tito Jackson (b. 1948) is another well-known Jackson family member, serving as a founding member of The Jackson 5 alongside his brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Marlon, and Michael. Tito later pursued a career in music production and management, working with various artists throughout the years.

These three individuals are among the most famous figures bearing the surname Jackson, each making significant contributions to music and entertainment across several decades.

Genealogical research on the last name Jackson

The surname Jackson originates from Old French and Norman languages, specifically "Jacquet" or "Jaquemart," meaning "supplanter" or "usurper." It is believed to have been brought to England by the Normans after their conquest in 1066 AD. In England, it was most commonly spelled as Jackeson and eventually Anglicized to Jackson. The name spread to Scotland during the reign of King David I (1124-1153), where it became popular among lowland Scots due to its association with the Scottish saint, St. Malachy of Armagh, who was also known as Máel Máedoc Ua Morgair, which is similar in sound to Jackson. The name has since been carried by notable figures such as Michael Jackson, a globally acclaimed musician and entertainer, and Jesse Owens, the African-American athlete who won four gold medals in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, defying racial prejudice.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Jackson"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 11 June 2025

Share the origin of your last name with your friends