"healer, to heal"
Origin: Greek Iason
Language: English
Jason
Pronunciation: [ j-AYS-uhn ]
Boy Name
#148 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
Greek hero, 70s icon, generation-defining name
English
American
Greek
French
Classic
Strong
Traditional
Bold
Meaning & Origin
"son of Aeson, the hero who sought the Golden Fleece"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: English
"to heal, healer"
Origin: Greek iasthai
Language: English
"the healer (Iason)"
Origin: Greek mythology
Language: Greek
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.
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
Greek
Ιάσων (Iasōn)
French
Jason
German
Jason
Hebrew
ג'ייסון
Italian
Giasone
Spanish
Jasón
Famous People Named Jason
J
Jason Derulo
Musician
1989
American singer-songwriter and dancer with multiple platinum singles
J
Jason Momoa
Actor
1979
American actor known for Aquaman and Game of Thrones
J
Jason Statham
Actor
1967
British actor known for action films including The Transporter
J
Jason Bourne Fictional
Other
Fictional CIA operative and amnesiac spy protagonist of Robert Ludlum's novel series and the film franchise
J
Jason Voorhees Fictional
Other
Iconic fictional horror villain of the Friday the 13th franchise, known for his hockey mask
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
Jay
Jase
Pairs Well With
Jason Michael
Jason Thomas
Jason Lee
Jason Alexander
Jason Robert
Jason William
Jason Aaron
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Jason is also used as a girl name, ranked #64951.
View Jason as a girl name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Jason
What does the name Jason mean?
"healer, to heal" (from Greek Iason). "son of Aeson, the hero who sought the Golden Fleece" (from Greek mythology). "to heal, healer" (from Greek iasthai). "the healer (Iason)" (from Greek mythology). 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.
What is the origin of the name Jason?
Jason has Greek Iason, Greek mythology, Greek iasthai, English, American, Greek, and French origins. In Greek Iason, it means "healer, to heal". In Greek mythology, it means "son of Aeson, the hero who sought the Golden Fleece". In Greek iasthai, it means "to heal, healer". In Greek mythology, it means "the healer (Iason)".
Is Jason a boy or girl name?
Jason is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #148. As a girl name, it is ranked #64951. Jason is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Jason?
Jason is pronounced j-AYS-uhn.
How popular is the name Jason?
Jason is currently ranked #148 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Jason?
Common nicknames for Jason include Jay and Jase.
What are good middle names for Jason?
Popular middle name pairings include Jason Michael, Jason Thomas, Jason Lee, Jason Alexander, Jason Robert, Jason William, and Jason Aaron.
What are good sibling names for Jason?
Names that pair well with Jason as siblings include Ryan, Kevin, Amanda, Jennifer, Tyler, Brandon, and Michelle.
How many syllables does Jason have?
Jason has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Jason a common or rare name?
Jason is a popular name, ranked #148 for boys. It is well-known without being overused.
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.