Jack or John

[ianthe plumb]

Why do we call people called John , Jack????

[Fibonacci]

according to one source
Jack was originally from the name Jakin, a corrupted form of Jenkin (John+kin).

[Fibonacci]

According to Webster's dictionary, the name "Jack" is probably derived from "Jacob" (via the French "Jacques"). Alternatively, it may be derived from "Jankin" meaning literally "Little John".

[Quizmonster]

'Jack' has been the familiar form of 'John' for at least 800 years. Many people believe it came from the French name Jacques, but The Oxford English Dictionary - the 'bible' in matters of this sort - doubts this. They are much happier with the case - made over a century ago by the scholar EWB Nicholson at Oxford - that the word actually originated in that form as a diminutive for 'John'. In other words, it's just as much a name in its own right as 'John' or any other name is and it did not depend on any foreign influence.

[horselady]

Along the same lines, why "Peggy" for someone whose name is Margaret.

[Quizmonster]

The opening letters of names often change when they are used as diminutives or pet-names. Consider, for example, William > Bill and Richard > ick with a D in front. (I express it thus as I will not be allowed to write the name out properly!) In the same way Margaret > Maggie > Meggie > Peggy.

[Kay]

Likewise, Harry is used for a person named Henry.

[rojash]

Surely the censor can't be so bad that you can't write Dick Van Dyke or Dick Turpin?

[Quizmonster]

Obviously, they've calmed down a bit Rojash. Certainly the last time I tried - innocently! - to use the word, it was asterisked out. Just imagine...Americans will now be able to refer directly to their Vice-President by name!

[lankeela]

My uncle Jack was christened John, and I was going to be called John but as I turned out to be a girlie I was called Jacqueline (Jack for short by most people). I notice on Holby City the lady doctor is called Jack (as opposed to Jackie).