Jackson History, Family Crest & Coats of Arms

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