Rising since 1995, #4,539 for boys today.
Popularity of Jak since 1994
Babies named Jak per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Jak's real moment was 2021.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 141 |
| 2010s | 242 |
| 2020s | 147 |
Meaning & origin
Jak is a streamlined modern spelling of Jack, which has been a classic English name for centuries. First recorded in 1994, Jak's peak popularity came in 2021, and it has been on a rising trajectory since 1995, though it remains relatively uncommon at rank 4539 in 2025, with only about 1 in every 77,640 baby boys receiving the name. The name's simple, phonetic spelling appeals to parents seeking a contemporary variation on a traditional favorite.
Jak is a modern spelling variant of Jack, itself a diminutive of John. John comes from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'Yahweh is gracious.' The spelling Jak gained some usage in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, as a streamlined alternative to the traditional Jack.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Jack
Sibling names for Jak
Names that share Jak's style, for a brother or sister.
