My name is Jackson, which quite literally means “son of Jack.” Which is odd because my dad’s name is William. I’m separate from his name. This gives me a sense of identity. It also shows my independence. 

My name was given with the same amount of purpose as an above ground pool. My parents had no deeper meaning for it. It just sounded like a cool name to them. My grandpa’s name is also William. So my dad is a Junior. That makes me jealous his name had more of a meaning applied. 

My name is as plain as someone who works for a bank. I never really stand out in a crowd. Navy blue and khaki. Just like every other boy in highschool. No one I meet says. “Wow, cool name.” It’s just Jackson. Nothing more. nothing less. 

Some people call me Jack which sounds too informal to me. I think they forgot the “son” part. My coaches call me Knaus. So my first name does not exist when I play sports. One person calls me Jacks, which is odd. Maybe he’s a minimalist and only likes one-syllable words. 

I prefer to be called Jackson. It sounds like a kid's name. But also an adult. Sound professional. Although when people call me Jack or Jacks, I am too polite to correct them. People often associate Jackson with a last name. Not a first name like mine. I do this as well. Knowing how common it is. 

Lacrosse players have cool names. One guy is named Johnny Cool. Which I think might be the best name ever. Maybe if I had a cool name I would be better at lacrosse. Maybe a name like a superhero would be best. A name where my last and first name starts with the same letter. It's got to have a good roll of the tongue. 

But Jackson works for me. I like it. I don’t know many other Jacksons. The average amount of letters in a name is 6. I have 7. It’s above average. Maybe it’s not so plain. It’s different. I’m Jackson. Not a son of Jack. Jack. Or Jacks.