← All names

Jock

Boy name · 28 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Jock: 28 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 5 births in 2012.

Traditionally a Scottish diminutive of John, Jock shares its roots with the Hebrew Yochanan, meaning "God is gracious." It became so widespread as a generic term for a Scottish man—particularly a soldier or a labourer—that it carries a strong sense of national identity and affectionate familiarity. One of the most famous bearers was Jock Stein, the legendary football manager who led Celtic to European Cup glory in 1967, becoming the first British manager to do so. Another notable figure is Jock Young, a pioneering criminologist whose work shaped modern sociological thought. While not tied to a specific place name, the term "Jock" appears in countless Scottish place nicknames, and the variant Jockie is also occasionally used.