Jason: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Jason mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Greek: Healer

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Jason is pronounced jay-sun

The name Jason originates from Greek mythology, where it is famously borne by the hero who led the Argonauts to retrieve the Golden Fleece. From the original Greek name Iasōn, the name translates to "healer" in Greek, alluding to its historical and mythological connotations of wisdom and strength. It is derived from the Greek iaomai meaning "to heal."

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English: probably a patronymic from James or any of various other personal names beginning with J-.

Greek (possible): shortened and Americanized form of Iassonides, patronymic from the personal name Iasōn, which is derived from the Greek vocabulary word iasthai to "heal." This was borne by a saint mentioned in St. Paul’s Epistle to the Romans, traditionally believed to have been martyred. In classical mythology this is the name (English Jason) of the leader of the Argonauts, who captured the Golden Fleece with the aid of Medea, daughter of the king of Colchis.

Famous people with this first name

Jason Lee

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Jason in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Jason Bourne from The Bourne Series - A highly skilled covert operative who suffers from amnesia and seeks to uncover his true identity while being pursued by the organization that employed him.

Jason Voorhees from Friday the 13th - The main antagonist of the horror series, known for his iconic hockey mask and his gruesome, often brutal, methods of killing.

Jason Todd from Batman - Originally the second Robin, he is later revived to become the anti-hero Red Hood in the DC Comics universe.

Jason Grace from The Heroes of Olympus - A demigod son of Jupiter who embarks on numerous adventures and quests alongside his friends in the Camp Half-Blood series.

Jason Seaver from Growing Pains - The loving and understanding father, who works as a psychiatrist and often provides wise and caring advice to his family.

Popularity of the Name Jason

According to the Social Security Administration data, Jason has seen a varied trajectory of popularity over the years. Historically, Jason surged in popularity during the 1970s and 1980s, often ranking within the top 10 names for boys during that period. However, its popularity has waned slightly in recent years, although it remains a well-recognized and classic name.

The name Jason has ancient Greek origins, stemming from the mythological hero Jason who led the Argonauts in a quest for the Golden Fleece. In modern times, several notable individuals have carried this name, including actor Jason Statham, author Jason Reynolds, and musician Jason Mraz. The name Jason is also prominent in fiction, with characters like Jason Bourne from Robert Ludlum's Bourne series, and Jason Voorhees from the Friday the 13th horror franchise. Despite its shifts in ranking, Jason continues to be a timeless choice for many parents today.