Holding steady.
Popularity of Jackalyn since 1942
Babies named Jackalyn per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2006, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jackalyn's real moment was 1997.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1940s | 49 |
| 1950s | 68 |
| 1960s | 20 |
| 1970s | 57 |
| 1980s | 104 |
| 1990s | 126 |
| 2000s | 141 |
| 2010s | 21 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Jackalyn is a modern feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1942, but it never broke into the top 1,000 most popular names. Its peak year was 1997, reflecting the broader trend of -lyn suffixed names popular in the 1990s. The name's trajectory has been stable, maintaining a quiet but consistent presence. While not common in any single state, Jackalyn has been used sparingly across the country, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive variation of Jacqueline or Jacklyn. Its spelling and sound fit comfortably within the family of names like Jocelyn and Madelyn, offering a familiar yet uncommon choice.
Jackalyn is a modern elaboration of Jacqueline, which itself is the French feminine form of Jacques (the French form of Jacob). The name Jacob derives from the Hebrew Ya'aqov, traditionally interpreted as "supplanter" but popularly associated with "God is gracious." Jackalyn emerged in the mid-20th century, likely influenced by the popularity of Jacqueline and the trend of adding -lyn suffixes to create new feminine names. It was first recorded in 1942 and saw modest use, particularly in the 1990s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jack, Jackie, Lyn
Variants: Jacquelyn, Jacklyn, Jacqueline
Sibling names for Jackalyn
Names that share Jackalyn's style, for a brother or sister.
