Jackson is a name with straightforward English roots. It is a patronymic surname, meaning it was originally used to identify someone as the son of Jack. The name Jack itself comes from John, meaning 'God is gracious.' The surname Jackson has deep roots in England and was carried by many notable figures, including the American president Andrew Jackson. As a first name, Jackson was rare until the late 20th century. It gained enormous popularity in the United States in the 2000s and 2010s, partly influenced by the trend of using surnames as first names and by the appeal of the nickname Jax. Its appeal comes from its strong, modern sound, its connection to the classic name Jack, and its surname style.