Jason means “healer” and comes from Greek. Parents exploring an extensive list of meanings behind popular baby names frequently choose Jason for its familiar sound and approachable style. The name has stood out for generations as a balance of classical antiquity and friendly charm, carrying a welcoming two-syllable rhythm that suits boys of any age.
Meaning and Origin
Jason is a masculine given name from Ancient Greek. It comes from the Greek name Ἰάσων (Iásōn), which means “healer.” The name derives from the Greek verb ἰάομαι (iáomai), meaning “heal,” “cure,” or “I heal.”
The name connects directly with other Greek vocabulary centered on physical recovery and wellness. It is cognate with ἰατρός (iatrós), which means “healer” or “physician,” and is linked to Ἰασώ (Iasṓ), the goddess of healing. Related forms are attested in the language from as early as Mycenaean and Arcadocypriot Greek, specifically 𐀂𐀊𐀳 (i-ja-te) and i-ja-te-ra-ne, both understood as inflected forms of ἰατήρ, meaning “healer.”
In the New Testament, specifically in Acts 17:5-9 and Romans 16:21, the Jason mentioned is probably a Greek rendering of Joshua. Across the English-speaking world, the given name was very popular during the 1970s and 1980s.
Pronunciation
Jason is pronounced JAY-sun. The first syllable rhymes with day, bay, and ray, while the second syllable rhymes with ton, sun, and run. The vocal stress sits on the initial syllable, giving the name a steady, balanced pronunciation.
Popularity in the US
In the United States, Jason first appears in 1880 and has been most often given to boys throughout its history. The name started quietly in 1950 at rank 467 with 205 babies before surging upward to its peak rank of number 2 in 1974. It remained near the top in 1980 at rank 3 with 48,164 babies, then shifted downward to rank 39 with 9,778 babies in 2000. Usage continued to moderate in 2010 to rank 69 with 6,279 babies, followed by rank 119 with 3,105 babies in 2020. By 2025, the name settled at rank 165 with 2,224 babies, bringing the total to 1,052,030 US boys given the name since 1880.
| Year | US rank (boys) | Babies named Jason |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #467 | 205 |
| 1980 | #3 | 48,164 |
| 2000 | #39 | 9,778 |
| 2010 | #69 | 6,279 |
| 2020 | #119 | 3,105 |
| 2025 | #165 | 2,224 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Common short forms of Jason include:
- Jay: A crisp, one-syllable short form that focuses on the bright initial sound of the name.
- Jase: A smooth, modern diminutive that preserves the long vowel of the first syllable while offering an informal tone.
- Jace: A familiar phonetic variation of Jase that is frequently used as a standalone casual option.
Famous People Named Jason
Several well-known figures in entertainment share the name Jason:
- Jason Bateman: American actor and director recognized for his starring roles in the television series Arrested Development and Ozark.
- Jason Momoa: American actor celebrated for his portrayal of the superhero Aquaman and his role in the feature film Dune.
- Jason Sudeikis: American actor, comedian, and writer acclaimed for his work on Saturday Night Live and his leading role in Ted Lasso.
Middle and Sibling Names
Popular middle names that pair smoothly with Jason include Alexander, Benjamin, Christopher, Michael, and James.
Sibling names that share a balanced and familiar style include Matthew, Sarah, Emily, Daniel, and Lucas.
FAQ
How many American boys have been given the name Jason in total?
A total of 1,052,030 American boys have received the name Jason since 1880. This cumulative figure highlights more than a century of parent interest across the United States. It marks Jason as one of the most widely given masculine names in the country over that extended timespan.
When did Jason first appear in official United States counts?
Jason first appeared in United States government counts in 1880. That year represents the starting point of federal tracking for the name. It took several decades before the name experienced its explosive rise in popularity during the middle of the twentieth century.
What variant spelling exists for the name Jason?
Jayson is an established variant spelling of Jason. It provides an alternate visual style while keeping the exact two-syllable pronunciation of the traditional name. Many parents select this spelling to add a modern twist to a long-standing classic.
Comments