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Jason

♂ Boy

Pronounced JAY-son /ˈdʒeɪ.sən/High

Meaning: Healer; to heal — from Greek <em>Iasōn</em>, related to <em>iasthai</em> (to heal)High

In 30 seconds: The name of Greek mythology's great hero who led the Argonauts on the quest for the Golden Fleece, Jason means 'healer' from the Greek. A mid-century classic, it dominated U.S. charts in the 1970s and remains solidly popular.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningHealer; to heal — from Greek <em>Iasōn</em>, related to <em>iasthai</em> (to heal)
Peak year1977
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,028,809

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 197718802017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Jason is the anglicized form of the Greek name Iasōn, from the verb iasthai (to heal). In Greek mythology, Jason was the son of Aeson, king of Iolcos, and the leader of the Argonauts — a band of heroes who sailed to Colchis to retrieve the Golden Fleece, aided by the sorceress Medea.

Jason was used sparingly in the English-speaking world until the mid-20th century. It exploded in U.S. popularity in the late 1960s and 1970s, reaching #1 on the SSA charts from 1973–1979. It has remained in steady use since, seen as a reliable, masculine classic. Jason Bourne (2002 film) and numerous celebrity bearers have kept it current.

Did you know? Jason and the Argonauts' quest for the Golden Fleece — sailing to Colchis (modern Georgia) and back — is one of the oldest Greek myths, predating even the Trojan War in the mythological timeline.

Variations

Jay

Nicknames

Jay

Famous Bearers

  • ★Jason (mythology) (mythological)
    Greek hero, leader of the Argonauts and quester for the Golden Fleece.

If you like Jason…

Justin— fellow 1970s–80s classic with the same clean, masculine energy
Jordan— similarly popular 70s–80s name that feels timeless without being old-fashioned
Ryan— another mid-century boom name that has aged with effortless style
Aaron— biblical/classic boys' name of the same mid-century wave

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jason mean?

Jason comes from the Greek <em>Iasōn</em>, related to the verb meaning 'to heal,' making it a name that suggests a healer.

How do you pronounce Jason?

Jason is pronounced JAY-son /ˈdʒeɪ.sən/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Jason a boy or girl name?

Jason is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Jason?

Jason was the #1 boys' name in the U.S. from 1973–1979 and has remained in the top 100–150 ever since.