What Does the Name Jason Mean?
Jason means "healer," from the Greek Iason, itself derived from iasis ("healing") and iaomai ("to heal"). The name carries an inherently positive, restorative meaning.
The Origin & History of Jason
Jason is best known as the hero of Greek mythology who led the Argonauts on the ship Argo in the quest for the Golden Fleece, one of the most famous adventures in classical literature. The name entered the New Testament as well, borne by an early Christian mentioned in the Book of Acts.
Cultural Reach
Jason became one of the defining American boys' names of the 1970s and 1980s, ranking among the very top names for over a decade, and it has remained a familiar, comfortable classic ever since.
Famous People Named Jason
The mythological Jason remains the name's most enduring namesake, alongside countless notable modern bearers across film, sports, and music who have kept the name in constant circulation.
Nicknames & Variations
Jay is the most common short form. The name has stayed largely consistent across English-speaking countries without major regional variants.
Is Jason a Good Name in 2026?
Jason remains a dependable, universally recognized classic — less trendy than it was at its 1970s–80s peak, but still comfortably inside the US top 150.