Jack

Traditionally a familiar form connected to John in English usage.

Jack is a classic English masculine name that has long been used as an independent given name, not just a nickname. It’s short, direct, and extremely recognizable across English-speaking regions. Historically, Jack is often described as a familiar form connected to John in English usage, though the exact pathway runs through medieval nickname patterns and can be summarized differently by different references. The key point is that Jack is established as its own name and has been for centuries. Pronunciation is simply JAK (one syllable). Its practical advantage is usability: the spelling is short and stable, and the sound is hard to mis-hear in most contexts.

Etymology: From Middle English nickname patterns (Jack as a familiar form), historically connected with John through usage rather than a single strict etymology line.