What does Jason mean and where does it come from?
While traditionally a male name derived from the Greek name Ἰάσων (Iásōn), meaning 'healer', Jason has begun to appear as a female name in modern contexts, particularly in the United States. The name Jason is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, where Jason was the hero who led the Argonauts in their q
Cultural significance
Jason has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of healer.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1974 — currently #147 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Jason?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Jason?
Jason works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Jason Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Jason Rose
Floral · soft ending
Jason Mae
Sweet · timeless
Jason Claire
French influence · crisp
Jason Jane
Literary · strong
Jason Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Jason right now?
Holding steady — currently #147 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #147 | 2,463 | ▼ down 1 · -6% births |
| 2022 | #146 | 2,607 | ▼ down 17 · -9% births |
| 2021 | #129 | 2,872 | ▼ down 10 · -7% births |
| 2020 | #119 | 3,073 | ▼ down 33 · -39% births |
| 2015 | #86 | 5,008 | ▼ down 17 · -20% births |
| 2010 | #69 | 6,273 | ▼ down 18 · -27% births |
| 2005 | #51 | 8,612 | ▼ down 12 · -12% births |
| 2000 | #39 | 9,772 | ▲ up 2 · +9% births |
| 1995 | #41 | 9,001 | ▲ up 5 · -16% births |
| 1990 | #46 | 10,690 | ▼ down 32 · -59% births |
| 1985 | #14 | 26,036 | ▼ down 11 · -46% births |
| 1980 | #3 | 48,171 | ▼ down 1 · -8% births |
| 1975 | #2 | 52,186 | ▲ up 11 · +91% births |
| 1970 | #13 | 27,287 | ▲ up 98 · +844% births |
| 1965 | #111 | 2,891 | — |
The story of Jason
Jason has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. It peaked at #2 in 1974, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 1044K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #386 in 1880 to #147 in 2023. Jason is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Jason in 1974:
Jason by decade
Jason peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 190 | |
| 1890s | 142 | |
| 1900s | 124 | |
| 1910s | 630 | |
| 1920s | 990 | |
| 1930s | 879 | |
| 1940s | 1,311 | |
| 1950s | 3,793 | |
| 1960s | 42,736 | |
| 1970s ★ | 465,410 | |
| 1980s | 293,954 | |
| 1990s | 91,956 | |
| 2000s | 88,701 | |
| 2010s | 50,505 | |
| 2020s | 3,073 | |
What are good nicknames for Jason?
ENGLISH
JayeJaylaJaylenJayleneJaylinJaylyn
What names sound and feel like Jason?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Jason also consider these
How is Jason written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Jason?
Common questions about the name Jason
What does the name Jason mean?
Jason means "Healer" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Jason?
Jason is currently ranked #147 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Jason?
Jason originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Jason?
Jason is a two-syllable name pronounced JH EY1 S AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Jason more of a girl or boy name?
Jason is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.