The name Jack is derived from Jackin (earlier Jankin), a medieval diminutive of John. It may also have early influences from the unrelated French name Jacques. Historically, Jack was a very common name during the Middle Ages and became a slang term meaning 'man', as seen in terms like jack-o'-lantern, jack-in-the-box, and lumberjack. It is often regarded as an independent name and has been used in various fairy tales and nursery rhymes, such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Jack and Jill, Little Jack ...