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Home › Baby Names Directory › Jaci

Jaci

♀ Girl

Pronounced JAY-see /ˈdʒeɪ.si/High

Meaning: From Tupi-Guaraní jaci meaning 'moon'; also functions as a short form of Jacinda (Greek: hyacinth flower) or Jacqueline (Hebrew: supplanter)Medium

In 30 seconds: A bright two-syllable name with a rare dual heritage: in Brazilian tradition it means 'moon' from Tupi-Guaraní, while in English it serves as a lively short form of Jacinda or Jacqueline.
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Origin MediumTupi-Guaraní, Hebrew, Greek
MeaningFrom Tupi-Guaraní jaci meaning 'moon'; also functions as a short form of Jacinda (Greek: hyacinth flower) or Jacqueline (Hebrew: supplanter)
U.S. rank (2024)#3185 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births50 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2005
Total births (all-time)≈ 5,096

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200519342024

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Jaci has two distinct origins. In Brazil and among indigenous Tupi-Guaraní speaking peoples, Jaci refers to the moon and is associated with the moon goddess in their cosmology. This makes Jaci one of a small number of indigenous South American names used as given names in the modern world. Separately, in English-speaking contexts, Jaci functions as a short form or phonetic respelling of Jacinda or Jacqueline.

In Brazil, Jaci gained wider use as a given name during the 20th century, particularly in regions with Tupi cultural heritage, and entered mainstream Brazilian naming practice. In the United States, Jaci appears as a given name primarily in communities with Brazilian heritage or as a creative spelling of Jacie/Jacey, a nickname form of Jacqueline. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (spelled differently) brought the Jaci sound to global attention.

Did you know? In Tupi-Guaraní mythology, Jaci (sometimes Iaci) is the moon goddess, a gentle deity who transforms into a human to find love — making this name carry a beautiful lunar mythological story.
Overall data confidence 80%
Dicionário Tupi-Guaraní — Meaning of jaci as moonBehind the Name — Jaci — Dual usage as Tupi name and Jacqueline diminutive

Variations

JacieJaceyJacyJacindaJacqueline

Nicknames

Jay

Famous Bearers

  • ★Jaci Velasquez (1979-)
    American contemporary Christian and Latin pop singer

If you like Jaci…

Jacqueline
Jacie— alternative spelling of the same standalone nickname
Luna— parallel celestial name meaning moon in Latin
Celeste

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Jaci mean?

Jaci means 'moon' in Tupi-Guaraní, referring to the moon goddess in indigenous Brazilian mythology. It also functions as a short form of Jacinda or Jacqueline.

How do you pronounce Jaci?

Jaci is pronounced JAY-see /ˈdʒeɪ.si/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Jaci a boy or girl name?

Jaci is used primarily as a girl's name.

How popular is Jaci?

Jaci is a rare name in the U.S., appearing in SSA records occasionally. It is more established in Brazil due to its indigenous cultural roots.

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