Jackson

Jackson is a surname-turned-baby name. It literally means “son of John” (since Jack is a variation of John)—and since John means “God has been gracious,” it shares that meaning as well.

There are a whole slew of famous people bearing it as a surname, from Presidents (Andrew Jackson) to the King of Pop (Michael Jackson). Famous artist Jackson Pollack is likely its biggest claim to fame as a first name, along with musician Jackson Browne. Jackson is a younger, fresher baby name, so you’ll find it more often amongst the offspring of celebrities, with actress Katey Segal, actress Charlize Theron, and the Duggars using it for their kids.

In pop culture, it was the first name of characters in Sons of Anarchy, A Star Is Born, and Grey’s Anatomy. It could be consider a homage to the mythic hero of the popular book series, Percy Jackson. And of course, there’s the town in Wyoming, if you’re into place names turned names.

If you like the surname-name options, there are some other popular baby names that have that -son ending—try Addison (for boys or girls), Allison, Anderson, Benson, Carson, Dawson, Emerson, Graysen, Hansen, Hudson, Jameson, Madison, Mason, Samson, Stetson, Tyson, and Wilson.

A popular baby name pick since the 1870s, Jackson is currently at peak popularity. It’s been in the top 20 baby names in the U.S. since 2013.

Dante in quotes:

“If you enter this world knowing you are loved and you leave this world knowing the same, then everything that happens in between can be dealt with.” —Michael Jackson

“If my life is going to mean anything, I have to live it myself.”—Percy Jackson & the Olympians: The Lightning Thief