Pinkett Smith is of Jamaican descent on her mothers side and African American descent on her fathers side .
Born in Baltimore , Maryland , Jada Koren Pinkett was named after her mother 's favorite soap - opera actress , Jada Rowland .
Jada Koren Pinkett   is of Jamaican descent on Jada Koren Pinkett 's mothers side and African American descent on her fathers side .
Born in Baltimore , Maryland , Jada Koren Pinkett was named after her mother 's favorite soap - opera actress , Jada Rowland .