The name Jacquelyn is a feminine form of the French name Jacques, which derived from the late Latin name Jacobus, meaning "supplanter" or "one who follows". Jacobus itself came from the Hebrew name Ya'aqov, which was the name of one of the patriarchs in the Bible.

The name Jacques became popular in France during the Middle Ages and was later anglicized into various spellings, including Jacqueline and Jacquelyn. The earliest recorded use of the name Jacquelyn dates back to the late 16th century.

One of the earliest notable figures with the name Jacquelyn was Jacqueline of Bavaria (1401-1436), the Countess of Holland, Zeeland, and Hainaut. She was a prominent figure in the Hundred Years' War and played a significant role in the political affairs of the Low Countries during her lifetime.

Another historical figure with the name Jacquelyn was Jacqueline du Pré (1945-1987), a renowned English cellist. She was widely celebrated for her virtuosic performances and is considered one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century.

Jacquelyn Kennedy Onassis (1929-1994), the wife of former U.S. President John F. Kennedy, was a prominent figure in American history. She was known for her fashion sense, cultural influence, and her role as First Lady of the United States from 1961 to 1963.

Jacquelyn Mitchard (born 1953) is an American novelist and author, best known for her novel "The Deep End of the Ocean," which was an Oprah's Book Club selection and later adapted into a feature film.

Jacquelyn Susann (1918-1974) was an American author who achieved fame with her bestselling novel "Valley of the Dolls," which depicted the lives of fictional Hollywood stars and their struggles with substance abuse and personal turmoil.

Overall, the name Jacquelyn has a rich history, with roots in both French and Hebrew cultures, and has been borne by notable figures across various fields, including politics, arts, and literature.