"healer, to heal"
Jason
Pronunciation: [ j-AYS-uhn ]
Does Jason flow with your last name?
Greek hero, 70s icon, generation-defining name
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Similar Names
Names Like Jason
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Jason
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"son of Aeson, the hero who sought the Golden Fleece"
"to heal, healer"
"the healer (Iason)"
Browse names with similar meanings:
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Browse nicknames →Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Jason Voorhees, the hockey-masked killer from the Friday the 13th franchise — some parents avoid it for this reason
The Story of Jason
Jason comes from the Greek 'Iason,' derived from the verb 'iasthai,' meaning 'to heal.' In Greek mythology, Jason was the legendary hero who led the Argonauts in search of the Golden Fleece — a story of ambition, adventure, and the price of glory. The name passed into Latin as Jason and became popular in Christian contexts because of a Saint Jason mentioned in the New Testament as a companion of Paul. It was revived as a given name in the English-speaking world in the 20th century.
Jason exploded to become one of the most popular boy names in America during the 1970s and 1980s. It ranked in the US top 5 from 1971 to 1980 and remained in the top 10 through 1987. The name's popularity was driven by pure cultural momentum — once common, it became more common. It has been declining since its peak but remains recognizable across generations.
Jason carries the weight of a 1970s American childhood — it's the quintessential name of that generation, as common then as Liam and Noah are today. Greek mythology gives it heroic credentials through the Argonaut story. The horror franchise Friday the 13th (1980-present) created a more sinister association, though this hasn't deterred most parents.
Historical Record
Jason first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 1,045,570 babies have been named Jason in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Jason is past its peak , currently ranked #148 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Jason ranked #1 in the United States in 1974 and 1975
- The myth of Jason and the Argonauts is one of the oldest adventure stories in Western literature, predating Homer
- Jason Voorhees first appeared in Friday the 13th (1980) and has appeared in 12 films, becoming one of horror's most iconic figures
Jason in Other Languages
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Jason
Jason Derulo
Musician
1989
American singer-songwriter and dancer with multiple platinum singles
Jason Momoa
Actor
1979
American actor known for Aquaman and Game of Thrones
Jason Statham
Actor
1967
British actor known for action films including The Transporter
Jason Bourne Fictional
Other
Fictional CIA operative and amnesiac spy protagonist of Robert Ludlum's novel series and the film franchise
Jason Voorhees Fictional
Other
Iconic fictional horror villain of the Friday the 13th franchise, known for his hockey mask
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #148
- Total SSA Count
- 2,448
- Cultural Origins
- English American Greek French
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Jason
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Jason is also used as a girl name, ranked #64951.
View Jason as a girl name →Similar Names
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Same Origin Names (English)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jason
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About the Name Jason
Jason is a boy name with English, American, Greek, and French origins . The name means "healer, to heal" in Greek Iason .
Is Jason a boy or girl name? Jason is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #148 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #64,951. Jason is more commonly used as a boy name.
Jason is currently ranked #148 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Jason has 2 syllables and is pronounced j-AYS-uhn, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Jason include Jay and Jase. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Keep Exploring
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Baby Name Wizard
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Personalized wooden letters
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis