Genealogy Chat

My dad was christened Jack, but lots of people called him John, assuming that was his real name.

I shall never understand my Mother.....her real name is Kathleen and yet she chooses to let everyone call her by her middle name.....IVY!!! But her Brother John was called Jack if it helps.

Ah, Lilly! I always get these mixed up, because I think Jack ought to derive from Jacobus, which is the latin for James! No, I still dont see how Jack comes from John.... OC

My great grandfather John David Robert Smoothy was always known as Jack. I also have people in my tree who were registered as Jack. nell

Hmmmmm... Yes i thought john would be favourite! Unfortunately no John in household ...was rather hoping someone may say Joseph ! Back to the drqawing board ... Alice

My dad was always called 'Jack' his real name was........James!!! lol......Lilly

In recent years some kids have been christened Jack, but before that it was almost always John. I'm told the derivation went something like this... Johan -> Jehan -> Jan -> Jankin -> Jackin -> Jack Johan -> John (Jock also has the same derivation) Can't vouch for the reliability of the source there though. And of course, John didn't have to be his first name - my dad told me his great-uncle was always known as California Jack, and I eventually found that his real name was Lewis John Evans.

at least 2 rellies who were christened John but called Jack Barbara..xx

My grandad was 'Jack'... real name 'John George'. So John for deffo in his instance. Bex

Def John

Jack should be a diminutive for John, but I've come across all sorts of named people using it!! Merry

Usually 'short' for John (don't know why!) Sam x

Most likely John

If you called yourself Jack? looking for opinions as I have family of several boys on the 1901 - one of whom was known as Jack - not sure which!