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The short answer
Jace is a masculine English name, pronounced JAYS. Behind the Name describes it as a short form of Jason that is sometimes used independently. Jason in turn comes from the Greek name Iason, meaning "healer", from Greek iasis ("healing"), so Jace inherits that meaning. Behind the Name says Jace was brought to limited attention in America by the lead character of the western television series Tales of the Texas Rangers (1955–1958), and that towards the end of the 20th century it began steadily increasing in popularity, reaching #66 for boys in the United States in 2013. In 2025 it ranked #114.
Meaning and etymology
Behind the Name gives Jace as a "short form of Jason, sometimes used independently". For the meaning it points to Jason, whose entry derives the name "from the Greek name Ἰάσων (Iason) meaning 'healer', derived from Greek ἴασις (iasis) meaning 'healing', a derivative of ἰάομαι (iaomai) meaning 'to heal'". Jace therefore carries the sense "healer" at one remove. Its independent use is recent and American: the entry credits the lead character of the western series Tales of the Texas Rangers (1955–1958) with bringing the name to limited attention, followed by steady growth towards the end of the 20th century. Behind the Name lists Jai, Jase, Jay, Jayce, Jae and Jaye as variants.
Editorial confidence: established
Linguistic roots
| Language | Form | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| English | Jace | short form of Jason |
| Greek | Ἰάσων (Iason) | healer |
| Greek | ἴασις (iasis) | healing |
| Greek | ἰάομαι (iaomai) | to heal |
Popularity
Jace ranked #114 for boys in the United States in 2025 (Social Security Administration). Behind the Name records that the name rose steadily towards the end of the 20th century and reached #66 for boys in the United States in 2013, so the 2025 figure is somewhat below its peak.
| Region | Year | Rank | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States | 2025 | #114 | ssa-2025 |
Nicknames, variants, and related names
Nicknames: Jay
Variants: Jayce, Jase, Jai, Jae, Jaye
Related names: Jason, Iason
What the name feels like
Jace is a one-syllable, sharp-edged name that reads as modern and casual even though it descends from a name with ancient Greek and biblical credentials. It fits the pattern of short, bright boys' names that end in a soft consonant, such as Chase and Jax, and it works well for parents who like Jason's meaning but want something brisker.
Style tags: short form, one syllable, modern, American, Greek roots
Editorial interpretation: These style impressions are editorial judgment, not linguistic fact. Jay is listed by Behind the Name as a variant rather than as a nickname; treating it as a short form is an editorial reading.
If you like this name
Names that share Jace's parent name, its short bright sound, or its modern American feel.
Similar by meaning
Similar by sound
Similar by style
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jace mean?
Jace is a short form of Jason. Jason comes from the Greek name Iason, meaning "healer", from iasis ("healing"), so Jace is usually taken to share that meaning.
Is Jace short for Jason?
Yes, originally. Behind the Name describes Jace as a short form of Jason that is sometimes used independently; today many boys are given Jace as their full name.
Is Jace a popular name?
Jace ranked #114 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data. Behind the Name notes that it peaked higher, at #66, in 2013.
Sources
- Behind the Name: Meaning, origin and history of the name Jace — supports short-form derivation, pronunciation, television association, late-20th-century rise and 2013 peak, variants.
- Behind the Name: Meaning, origin and history of the name Jason — supports Greek etymology and the gloss 'healer'.
- U.S. Social Security Administration: Popular Baby Names — national data, year of birth 2025 — supports popularity.
