The given name Jackson originated from the English surname Jackson, which itself derives from the personal name Jack, a diminutive form of the name John. The name John comes from the Hebrew name Yohanan, meaning "Yahweh is gracious" or "God is gracious."

Jackson as a first name emerged in the 17th century, particularly in England and Scotland. It was initially used as a patronymic, meaning "son of Jack," with the suffix "-son" added to the personal name Jack. The name gained popularity as a first name in the late 18th and early 19th centuries.

While there are no known direct references to the name Jackson in ancient texts or religious scriptures, the name John, from which Jackson is derived, has biblical roots and is mentioned in the New Testament of the Christian Bible. Additionally, the name Jack, which is the root of Jackson, was commonly used in medieval literature and folklore.

One of the earliest recorded uses of Jackson as a first name dates back to the late 16th century. Andrew Jackson (1767-1845), the 7th President of the United States, is perhaps the most famous historical figure to bear the name. Other notable individuals named Jackson throughout history include:

1. Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson (1824-1863), a Confederate general during the American Civil War.
2. Jackson Pollock (1912-1956), an influential American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement.
3. Jackson Browne (born 1948), an American singer-songwriter known for his contributions to the folk and rock genres.
4. Jackson C. Frank (1937-1999), an American folk singer-songwriter and musician.
5. Jackson Mthembu (1958-2021), a South African politician who served as Minister in the Presidency of South Africa.

The name Jackson has been widely adopted across various cultures and regions, transcending its English origins. It continues to be a popular choice for parents, reflecting its historical significance and versatility.