Names/Jackey/Jackie Robinson
AthleteAmerican1919 – 1972

Jackie Robinson

First Black MLB player, civil rights icon

Biography

Jackie Robinson (January 31, 1919 – October 24, 1972) was an American professional baseball player who broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball when he joined the Brooklyn Dodgers on April 15, 1947. Born in Cairo, Georgia, Robinson excelled in multiple sports during his youth and college years before his groundbreaking baseball career. Despite facing severe racism from opposing players, fans, and some teammates, Robinson demonstrated extraordinary courage, skill, and composure. He won the National League MVP Award in 1949 and led the Dodgers to the World Series in 1947. Beyond baseball, Robinson was a civil rights activist who used his platform to advocate for racial equality throughout his life. He also became a successful businessman and continued his activism work after retiring from baseball in 1956. Robinson's legacy extends far beyond sports; he is remembered as a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement and an inspiration to generations of athletes and activists. His jersey number 42 is the only number retired across all of Major League Baseball.

The Name Jackey

Jackie Robinson's historic significance has made the name Jackie iconic in American sports and civil rights history, particularly within the African American community. His courage and excellence have made the name synonymous with breaking barriers and achieving greatness.

Quick Facts
Category

Athlete

Nationality

American

Born

1919

Died

1972

Thinking about the name

Jackey

Hebrew origin

A shortened, casual form of Jackie or Jackson, with a unisex quality that was particularly trendy in mid-20th century America. Jackey feels friendly and approachable, with a vintage sporting or adventurous energy. The -ey ending gives it a nickname-like warmth while remaining suitable as a given name.

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