A boy named Jack

[Vasquez109]

Looking at the 1901 census, I can see a child called Jack. Is Jack short or a nickname for something like James or is it a name in its own right?

[avm228]

It's traditionally a nickname for John, though by the late 19th century would also have been given as a name in its own right.

Anna

[LizzieW]

It used to be a nickname for John, but now it seems to be a name in its own right - perhaps it always was.

Lizzie

[LizzieW]

Snap Anna - I didn't get the red warning that someone else was/had posted a reply.  I think it's something to do with Trystan updating Roots.

Lizzie

[Vasquez109]

Thanks for that everyone!

Doesnt help with the confusion though! 

[muttly]

I have a James called Jack.

[derby girl]

The thing is Jack as a pet name for John comes from the medieval pet name for John - Jankin ie little John - whereas Jack is now often used for James because the French for James is Jaques - the latin is Jacobus - confusing isn't it.  I have a Hamish and a James in the family.
Regards
Derby Girl

[Vasquez109]

Certainly is confusing!

[Steve G]

  Thanks for the heads up on James, you peeps. I have a 'Jack' who's been doing my crust in for Years now. Get time, I'll run him on James and see what happens. I'd undoubtedly have tried John, but simply never thought of Jim.