John and Jack

[echokilo]

In researching my tree, I have found lots of Jacks - most of whom were actually Johns ..... why is Jack used as a pet form for John, it's not really shortening it any, and doesn't create a nickname as such ....? TIA

[Zacs-Master]

Because the European (French) version of the name "John" is "Jacques"-- (the Spanish version is "Joaquin" which is similar). This is shortened to "Jock" (which is what a Scotsman would say) or "Jack".

[cathfromsaron]

ditto above!

plus, often the dad was john, too, so it was easier to change one name to jack!

cath x

[TheOtherHalf]

No wonder research is so confusing. The name changes over some censuses have been such a problem sometimes. I find though that on erading the original, you can understand why. They are often transcribed incorrectly. I remember one instance, I though an important ancestor was called Hammish. Absolutely amazed at this, looked at the census itself, to discover it was Hannah

[echokilo]

Thanks for your answers everyone - and TheOtherHalf this is very true .... I have been caught out lots of times with handwriting, spelling and transcribing issues ................ but it makes it more challenging and interesting (and frustrating!!) I guess x