Boy Names That Start With J

Choosing a name for your baby boy can be a special journey. Whether you’re following a family tradition of picking names that start with the letter J or you simply love the sound of these names, there’s a lot to explore.

This selection of J names for boys offers a variety of options, from popular choices to unique ones.

Take a look through these great J names to see if any feel right for your little boy. Whatever your reason for choosing a J name, this list is sure to provide inspiration for your baby-name journey.

Popular Boy Names That Start With J

James

James tops the list as the most popular J name for boys in the United States. It has never been out of the top 20 since 1880.

The name comes from the English form of the Latin Iacomus, which is rooted in the biblical boys’ name Jacob. James has been in use in England since the 13th century and became common in Scotland, being used by several Scottish kings.

Notable individuals with this name include explorer Captain James Cook, Irish writer James Joyce, and several American presidents. Contemporary figures include actors James Franco and James Earl Jones, singer James Blunt, and director James Cameron.

Jacob

This name means “supplanter” in Hebrew and has roots in the Old Testament. Jacob was the son of Isaac and Rebecca and the father of the 12 founders of the 12 tribes of Israel.

While it was a common name among Jews in the Middle Ages, it became popular in the United States starting in the early 1970s. Jacob appears frequently in popular culture, from the movie Jacob’s Ladder to the character Jacob in the Twilight Saga.

Notable figures include Jacob Grimm from the Brothers Grimm and actor Jacob Artist.

Jackson

Jackson originates from the surname meaning “son of Jack.” It’s mostly recognized as a last name, like with Michael Jackson, but it has gained popularity as a first name.

Notable individuals include artist Jackson Pollock, Chinese singer and rapper Jackson Wang, and TV personality Jackson Galaxy.

Jack

Jack is a medieval diminutive of John and has even surpassed it in popularity since the 1990s. Some believe it’s also influenced by the French name Jacques, which is rooted in James.

Jack frequently appears in nursery rhymes and fairy tales, such as Jack and the Beanstalk. Famous Jacks include American writers Jack Kerouac and Jack London, and actor Jack Nicholson.

Joseph

Joseph originates from a Hebrew word meaning “he will add.” In the Old Testament, Joseph is the son of Jacob and Rachel. His story was made famous by the musical Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat.

The New Testament also features Joseph as the husband of Mary and Joseph of Arimathea. This name has been popular in the United States for over a century.

Famous Josephs include founder of Mormonism Joseph Smith, author Joseph Conrad, composer Joseph Haydn, and actors Joseph Fiennes and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

John

John means “Yahweh is gracious” in Hebrew and appears several times in the Bible, with John the Baptist and the apostle John being notable examples.

It’s been a popular name for centuries, being used by popes, Byzantine emperors, and several kings.

Famous Johns include poets John Milton and John Keats, philosopher John Locke, president John F. Kennedy, musician John Lennon, and actors John Malkovich and John Travolta.

Julian

The name Julian comes from the Roman name Julius, meaning “downy-bearded” or “youthful.” It became common in England during the Middle Ages.

Well-known Julians include The Strokes singer Julian Casablancas, actor Julian Sands, and WikiLeaks activist Julian Assange.

Jayden

Jayden is a variant of Jaden and became popular at the end of the 20th century when names like Braden, Hayden, and Aidan were common. Since 2003, Jayden has become the more favored spelling.

Sports figures with this name include footballers Jayden Schofield and Jayden Reed. Jaden, a variation, is borne by rapper and actor Jaden Smith.

Jaxon

Jaxon is an alternative spelling of Jackson that has risen in popularity recently.

Josiah

Josiah is derived from the Hebrew name meaning “Yahweh supports.” It was the name of a king of Judah in the Old Testament.

Notable figures include American author and abolitionist Josiah Henson and British potter and entrepreneur Josiah Wedgwood.

Unique Boy Names Starting With J

Jenő

This Hungarian name—pronounced “Yeh-nuu”—comes from an ancient Hungarian tribe. Since the 19th century, it’s been used as the Hungarian form of Eugene.

Jimmu

Jimmu means “divine warrior” in Japanese and is rooted in Japanese mythology. According to legend, this was the name of Japan’s founder and first emperor, who ruled in the seventh century B.C.E.

Jacopo

Jacopo is the Italian form of the name Jacob.

Jarlath

Jarlath is the anglicized form of Iarlaithe, derived from Old Irish words meaning “ruler” or “sovereign.”

Jevgēņijs

This Latvian name—pronounced “Yev-gen-iis”—is the Latvian form of Eugene. The name originates from a Greek word meaning “well born,” making it a good option for those with Latvian heritage.

Jodocus

This rare name was frequently used in the Netherlands and medieval Brittany. It’s a Latinized form of Judoc, which means “lord” in Breton. Interestingly, it may be the predecessor to the name Joyce.

Jörmungandr

Pronounced “Yor-man-gandr,” this name comes from Old Norse words meaning “great” or “large” and “monster” or “magic wand.”

In Norse mythology, Jörmungandr is a sea serpent, also known as the World Serpent, said to encircle the world.

Jamshid

Jamshid means “shining twin” in Persian. It was also the name of a mythological king of Persia.

Juvenal

This name is mostly used in Portugal today but originated from a Latin word meaning “youthful.” One famous bearer was a Roman satirist from the first century.

Janaka

This Sanskrit name means “father” and was the name of an ancient Indian king in Videha. He was also the father of Sita in the Hindu epic the Ramayana.

Biblical J Boy Names

Jared

This name means “descent” in Hebrew and refers to a descendant from Adam in the Old Testament. It gained popularity in England after the Protestant Reformation.

Famous individuals with this name include actors Jared Leto and Jared Padalecki.

Jeremy

Used in some English versions of the New Testament for Jeremiah, this Hebrew name means “Yahweh will exalt.” It became popular after the Protestant Reformation.

British actor Jeremy Irons is a well-known bearer of this name.

Jesse

Jesse comes from a Hebrew word that possibly means “gift.” In the Old Testament, Jesse was the father of King David. The name gained popularity in English after the Protestant Reformation.

Notable people named Jesse include outlaw Jesse James and athlete Jesse Owens.

Jesus

Best known for Jesus Christ, the name Jesus has its roots in a contracted form of Joshua. Although not commonly used in English-speaking countries, Jesus or Jesús is popular among Portuguese or Spanish speakers.

Spanish soccer player Jesús Navas is an example.

Jethro

This name means “abundance” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Jethro was a Midianite priest who sheltered Moses.

Jethro Tull, a 17th-century English inventor, is a famous example, and the name inspired the 1970s prog rock band.

Joel

Joel means “Yahweh is God” in Hebrew. Joel was one of the 12 minor prophets in the Old Testament and the author of the Book of Joel, which talks about a plague of locusts.

The name became popular in England after the Protestant Reformation.

Jonah

Jonah means “dove” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Jonah was the prophet swallowed by a whale in the Book of Jonah.

Jonathan

This Hebrew name means “Yahweh has given.” Jonathan was the eldest son of Saul in the Old Testament.

Famous Jonathans include writer Jonathan Swift, known for Gulliver’s Travels, and actors Jonathan Pryce and Jonathan Rhys Meyers.

Joshua

Joshua means “Yahweh is salvation” in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Joshua was Moses’ companion on Mount Sinai.

The name has been used for Joshua Tree National Park. Famous people named Joshua include singer Josh Groban and actor Joshua Jackson.

Jude

Jude is a variation of the name Judas, a Greek form of Judah. It’s used in English versions of the New Testament for the second apostle named Judas to distinguish him from Judas Iscariot.

The name gained popularity after the Protestant Reformation. Actor Jude Law is a famous example.

Cool Boy Names That Start With J

Jalen

Jalen is a name that became popular in the African-American community, especially since the 1990s. This happened largely thanks to basketball player Jalen Rose.

The name is said to be a combination of James, his father, and Leonard, his maternal uncle.

Jirair

Jirair is of Armenian origin. It is another way to write the name Zhirayr and means “strong” or “active” in Armenian.

Joseba

Joseba is the Basque version of Joseph. It carries the same traditional weight but offers a unique cultural twist.

Judicaël

Judicaël is the French form of the Old Breton name Iudicael. The name comes from the Breton words iudd and hael, meaning “lord” and “generous.”

It was also the name of a seventh-century Breton king and saint.

Jelani

Jelani likely comes from Arabic origins and means “mighty.” It gained attention in the 1970s thanks to an article on African baby names.

It became quite popular in 1998.

Joan

Although Joan is often thought of as a girl’s name, it is used for boys in Catalonia.

Joan, pronounced “zhoo-an,” is the Catalan and Occitan form of John. The artist Joan Miró is a well-known male example of this name.

Jianhong

Jianhong is a Chinese name meaning “build” or “establish” and “wide,” “spacious,” or “vast.” It reflects qualities of strength and expansiveness.

Jadran

Jadran is the Croatian, Serbian, and Slovene form of the name Adrian. It carries the same classic feel with a regional flair.

Jamaluddin

Jamaluddin is an alternate way to write the Arabic name Jamal ad-Din, which combines the words for “beauty” and “religion” or “faith.”

This name is particularly popular in regions like Indonesia, Malaysia, and among the Dari-speaking people.

Jaakkima

Jaakkima is the Finnish form of Joachim. It maintains its biblical roots while offering a distinct Scandinavian touch.

Classic Boy Names That Start With J

Jacques

This French name comes from Iabobus, the root of the name James.

Notable figures include explorer Jacques Cousteau, philosopher Jacques Derrida, and filmmaker Jacques Tati.

Johannes

The Latin form of Ioannes, from which John is derived.

Famous individuals with this name are composer Johannes Brahms, astronomer Johannes Kepler, and inventor Johannes Gutenberg.

Janus

Janus means “archway” in Latin and is rooted in Roman mythology.

Janus was the Roman god of gateways and beginnings. The month of January is named after him, making it a fitting name for boys born in that month.

Jasper

Jasper comes from the Latin name Gaspar and is linked to the biblical Hebrew word gizbar, meaning “treasurer.”

One of the Three Wise Men bore this name. It is also associated with the red gemstone, the birthstone for March. Notable Jaspers include designer Jasper Conran and painter Jasper Johns.

Jean

Jean is the modern French form of John and has been popular in France since the twelfth century.

Renowned figures with this name include philosophers Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Jean-Paul Sartre, actor Jean Reno, artist Jean-Michel Basquiat, and poet Jean Cocteau.

Jeremiah

This Hebrew name means “Yahweh will exalt.”

Jeremiah was a major prophet in the Old Testament who witnessed the Babylonian destruction of Jerusalem and authored the Book of Jeremiah.

Jerome

Jerome derives from the Greek name Hieronymos, meaning “sacred name.”

It gained popularity in the Middle Ages due to Saint Jerome, who translated the Bible into Latin. Notable Jeromes include writer J.D. Salinger and Game of Thrones actor Jerome Flynn.

Joachim

Joachim is a shortened form of Jehoiakim, meaning “raised by Yahweh.”

According to the apocryphal Gospel of James, Saint Joachim was the father of the Virgin Mary.

Julius

Julius is a Roman family name from the Greek word meaning “downy-bearded.”

It is also associated with youthfulness and the Roman god Jupiter. The most famous Julius is Gaius Julius Caesar. Several saints and a pope have also borne this name.

Justinian

Justinian comes from the Latin name Iustinianus, meaning “just.”

The sixth-century Byzantine emperor, who sought to restore the borders of the Roman Empire, is a famous example of this name.

Short Boy Names That Start With J

Jace

Jace is typically known as the short form of Jason, but it also stands strong as its own name.

It gained some popularity as the lead character’s name in the TV series Tales of the Texas Rangers.

Jade

Jade is derived from a green precious stone and the Spanish term piedra de la ijada, meaning “stone of the flank.”

Although more common among girls, it remains a viable unisex name.

Jay

Jay can be a short version of names like James or Jason.

It’s also recognized as the masculine form of the Indian name Jaya.

Jax

Jax is often a shortened form of Jackson.

It appeared in the video game Mortal Kombat II and the TV series Sons of Anarchy, boosting its popularity.

Jin

Jin is a name of Chinese origin that can mean “gold,” “money,” “tapestry,” or “ferry.”

It’s a common name across East Asia, popularized in recent years by BTS member Kim Seok-Jin.

Joe

Joe is the short form of Joseph.

Prominent figures named Joe include the 46th U.S. president Joe Biden, singer Joe Jonas, and baseball legend Joe DiMaggio.

Jon

Jon is a variation of John or a short version of Jonathan.

It gained significant attention thanks to Jon Snow from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series and the Game of Thrones TV show. Actor Jon Hamm is another well-known bearer of the name.

Jake

Jake can be derived from Jack or serve as a short form of Jacob.

Notable figures with this name include actor Jake Gyllenhaal and YouTuber Jake Paul.

Jeb

Jeb is sometimes used as a diminutive of Jacob, offering a unique twist on the traditional name.

Jed

Jed is the short form of Jedidiah, which means “beloved of Yahweh” in Hebrew.

Notable individuals named Jed include football player Jed Wallace and interior designer Jed Johnson.

Strong and Powerful Boy Names That Start With J

Jason

Jason has roots in the Greek word meaning “healer.”

He was the leader of the Argonauts in Greek mythology, famous for his quest for the Golden Fleece. It’s also a name that appears in the New Testament, as a man who sheltered Paul and Silas. Well-known Jasons include actors Jason Momoa and Jason Statham.

Juan

Juan is the Spanish and Manx form of John and has been popular in Spain since the late Middle Ages.

It’s a name featured in literature, like Don Juan, the title character in a play by Tirso de Molina and an epic poem by Lord Byron. Notable individuals named Juan include Spanish soccer player Juan Manuel Mata García and Mexican writer Juan Rulfo.

Jordan

Jordan comes from the name of the river flowing between Jordan and Israel.

It derives from the Hebrew word for “descend” or “flow down.” The name saw a revival in the nineteenth century and gained popularity in the latter half of the twentieth century. Famous Jordans include Canadian psychology professor Jordan Peterson and American actor Jordan Peele.

Joukahainen

This name—pronounced “Yo-kah-hie-nehn”—has roots in Finnish mythology, but its exact meaning is unknown.

It was used in the Finnish epic Kalevala, named for a youth who challenges a wise old magician to a spellcasting duel.

Jericho

Jericho comes from a city in Israel mentioned in the Old Testament.

It may have roots in the Hebrew words for “moon” or “fragrant.” Jericho holds historical and biblical significance, making it a strong and unique name.

Jagannatha

Jagannatha means “master of the world” in Sanskrit.

It serves as a title for the Hindu gods Vishnu and Krishna, adding a divine and powerful touch to the name.

Jafar

Jafar means “stream” in Arabic and was the name of Jafar ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of the Prophet Muhammad.

The name gained widespread recognition after it appeared in Disney’s Aladdin.

Jarl

Jarl means “chieftain” or “nobleman” in Old Norse.

In the Norse poem Rígsþula, Jarl is depicted as the son of the god Ríg and the founder of a race of warriors, reinforcing its association with nobility and strength.

Jaromir

This Polish name comes from the Slavic elements meaning “fierce” or “energetic” and “peace” or “world.”

Combining these elements gives Jaromir a balanced yet powerful feel, symbolizing both strength and harmony.

Jayendra

Jayendra means “lord of victory” in Sanskrit. The name combines elements of power and triumph, making it a strong choice for boys with a victorious spirit.