Jackson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

Etymology of Jackson

What does the name Jackson mean?

The distinguished surname Jackson first emerged in the borderlands between England and Scotland. The name is related to the personal name Jack, a pet form of the popular “John,” meaning “God has favored,” and refers to “a son of Jack.” 1

Early Origins of the Jackson family

The surname Jackson was first found in various shires throughout Britain including Cambridgeshire which listed two families in the Hundredorum Rolls of 1273: Robert filius Jake; and Henricus filius Jake. By the Yorkshire Poll Tax Rolls of 1379, the name had evolved to spellings that are closer to the ones used today: Johannes Jakson; Willelmus Jacson; Robertus Jackeson; and Willelmus Jakeson. 2

Jackson Spelling Variations

The name Jackson, appeared in many references, and from time to time, the surname was spelt Jackson, Jaccson, Jacson, Jacksone, Jackston and others.

Early Notables of the Jackson family

• Sir Anthony Jackson (1599-1666) was an English lawyer, soldier, knighted by Charles II, but later imprisoned in the Tower of London for over a decade
• Henry Jackson (1586-1662), an English clergyman and literary editor
• General Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), the 7th President of the United States
• John Jackson (fl.1700-1717), the first chaplain to the garrison at St John’s, Newfoundland, and is credited with building the first Anglican church in Newfoundland