The name Jacklyn is a feminine form of the name John, which has its origins in the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious." The name John was widely popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, influenced by figures such as John the Baptist and John the Apostle from the New Testament.

Jacklyn emerged as a variant spelling of the name Jacqueline, which traces its roots back to the French form of the name, Jacques. Jacques is derived from the late Latin name Jacobus, which in turn comes from the Hebrew name Jacob, meaning "supplanter" or "one who grasps the heel." The addition of the diminutive suffix "-lyn" or "-line" was a common practice in English-speaking regions.

While the name Jacklyn does not have a direct historical significance in ancient texts or religious scriptures, its connection to the names John and Jacob links it to figures from the Bible and other religious traditions. One of the earliest recorded uses of the name Jacklyn can be found in the 16th century English records.

Among the notable historical figures who bore the name Jacklyn, we can mention Jacklyn H. Lucas (1928-2008), a United States Marine who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Battle of Iwo Jima in World War II. Another prominent Jacklyn was Jacklyn Zeman (born 1953), an American actress best known for her role as Bobbie Spencer on the soap opera "General Hospital."

In the literary world, Jacklyn Moriarty (born 1968) is an Australian author known for her young adult fiction, including the popular novel "The Year of Secret Assignments." Jacklyn Victor (1941-2015) was a Malaysian actress and singer who gained fame in the 1960s and 1970s for her roles in Malay films and television shows.

Lastly, Jacklyn H. Gier (born 1932) was an American educator and politician who served as the Lieutenant Governor of South Dakota from 1979 to 1987, becoming the first woman to hold that position in the state's history.