Find out how popular the first name Jax has been for the last 29 years (from 1995 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jax by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Jax is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 99% of people named Jax being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 1,155 male babies and 14 female babies born with the name Jax.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 14 baby girls were named Jax in 2023, despite it being a predominantly male name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Jax

The name Jax has its origins in the Old English language, originating from the Germanic root word "jag," which meant "to chase" or "to hunt." It was originally a shortened form of the name Jacharias or Jacharius, which were derived from the Hebrew name Zechariah, meaning "the Lord remembers."

In the 9th century, the name Jax emerged as a variant of these longer names, particularly prevalent in regions of England and parts of northern Europe. Its earliest recorded use dates back to the 10th century, when it appeared in the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, a historical record of the early English kingdoms.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Jax was Jax of Lindsey, a 10th-century nobleman and landowner in the Kingdom of Lindsey, located in what is now Lincolnshire, England. In the 12th century, Jax de Bray, a French knight and crusader, accompanied King Richard I on the Third Crusade to the Holy Land.

During the Middle Ages, the name Jax gained popularity among the English nobility and aristocracy. In the 14th century, Jax de Vere was a renowned English soldier and military commander who served under King Edward III during the Hundred Years' War with France.

In the world of literature, one of the earliest recorded uses of the name Jax appeared in the epic poem "Beowulf," which dates back to the 8th or 9th century. The character Jax is mentioned as a warrior and kinsman of the legendary hero Beowulf.

Another notable figure was Jax Sobieski, a 17th-century Polish military leader and king, who led the forces that lifted the Siege of Vienna in 1683, turning the tide against the Ottoman Empire's advance into Europe. His victory at the Battle of Vienna is considered one of the most significant military victories in European history.

While the name Jax fell out of widespread use in the modern era, it has experienced a resurgence in recent decades, particularly as a shortened version of the name Jackson. However, its historical roots and associations with bravery, strength, and nobility have contributed to its enduring appeal and significance throughout the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jax was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jax, please contact us.

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