When expecting parents are boy names that start with j, they are looking for a name that sounds nice but also carries a meaningful backstory. A name's first letter cues certain impressions - J conveys dependability and intellect. Boy names starting with J have long held favor for their solid, versatile style. J names for boys also stem from a range of cultures, ensuring a diverse roster to suit any taste. Whether you seek a biblical J name like Jacob, a occupational name like Judge, or an ancient moniker like Jason, names that begin with the letter J provide a great jumping off point. Beyond covering the basics, many modern J names with boys carry a stylish edge too, like Jace, Jett, and Jones. As you browse this list of top J boys names and their unique name meanings, jot down your favorites and let their lyrical sounds roll off your tongue.
James - Derived from Late Latin Iacomus, a variant of Iacobus, the Latin form of the Greek name Ἰάκωβος (Iakobos), which is from Hebrew יַעֲקֹב (Ya'qob). In the Bible, Jacob was one of the twelve sons of Isaac and Rebekah and the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. This was the name of two apostles in the New Testament. The English name James is derived from the same source, meaning "supplanter".
Joshua - From the Hebrew name יְהוֹשֻׁעַ (Yehoshu'a) meaning "YAHWEH is salvation", derived from the roots יהו (Yahu) referring to the Hebrew God and ישע (yasha') meaning "to deliver". As told in the Old Testament, Joshua was a companion of Moses. He went up Mount Sinai with Moses to receive the Ten Commandments from God and later succeeded Moses to lead the Israelites.
Joseph - From the Hebrew name יוֹסֵף (Yosef) which was derived from the Hebrew word יָסַף (yasaf) meaning "to add, to increase". In the Old Testament Joseph is the eleventh son of Jacob and the first with his wife Rachel. Because he was the favorite of his father, his older half brothers kidnapped him and sold him into slavery. He gained a position of power in Egypt, saving the country from famine, and eventually met his brothers again and reconciled with them.
Julian - From a Roman family name that was derived from Julius. Additionally, Jupiter was sometimes referred to as Julianus. This name has been borne by several early saints. The feminine form of this name is Julia.
John - The English form of Iohannes, the Latin form of the Greek name Ιωαννης (Ioannes), itself derived from the Hebrew name יוֹחָנָן (Yochanan) meaning "YAHWEH is gracious". This name owes its popularity to two New Testament characters, both highly revered saints.
Jonah - Derived from the Hebrew name יוֹנָה (Yonah) meaning "dove". This was the name of a prophet swallowed by a fish, as told in the Old Testament Book of Jonah. Jonah emerged from the fish alive and well after three days. The story has a long interpretive history and has been read as an anticipation of Jesus's resurrection.
Jude - From the Hebrew name יְהוּדָה (Yehudah), which meant "praised". In the Old Testament this is the name of one of the sons of Jacob (his mother was Leah). He inherited the responsibility of leadership over the tribes of Israel after the death of his father. His tribe eventually became the kingdom of Judah.
Jasper - Means "treasurer" in Persian. This name was traditionally assigned to one of the wise men (also known as the Magi, or three kings) who were said to have visited the newborn Jesus. It has occasionally been used in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages. The name can also be given in reference to the English word for the gemstone.
Jesse - From the Hebrew name יִשַׁי (Yishay) which possibly means "gift". In the Old Testament Jesse is the father of King David. It began to be used as an English given name after the Protestant Reformation. A famous bearer is Jesse Owens (1913-1980), an American athlete who won four gold medals at the 1936 Olympic Games.
Jason - Derived from the Greek name Ἰάσων (Iason), meaning "healer". In Greek mythology Jason was the leader of the Argonauts. His father Aeson sent him in search of the golden fleece in order to secure the throne of Iolcus. With the help of Medea he achieved success in his quest and as a result got to marry her.
Jackson - Son of Jack. Jackson has been used more regularly as a given name since the late 20th century. Famous bearers include Jackson Pollock, an influential American painter, and Jackson Wang, a Hong Kong rapper.
Jasper - Derived from the name of the precious stone jasper, the opaque, spotted mineral quartz. Jasper is one of the Magi who visited the Christ child, according to an early Greek legend. It came into use as a given name after the Protestant Reformation.
Javier - The Spanish form of the Roman name Xabier, derived from the place name Etxaberri ('new house'), likely referring to a Roman Catholic hermitage. Saint Francis Xavier was a Roman Catholic missionary known as the Apostle of the Indies.
Jeremiah - From the Hebrew name יִרְמְיָהוּ (Yirmiyahu) meaning "YAHWEH has uplifted". Jeremiah was an Old Testament prophet who wrote the Book of Jeremiah and the Book of Lamentations. This has been a popular English name since the Protestant Reformation.
Jett - The name Jett is an English occupational name for a carrier, messenger or bearer of dispatches. It has been in limited use as a given name since the mid-20th century. Actor John Travolta has a son named Jett.
Joel - Derived from the Hebrew name יוֹאֵל (Yo'el) meaning "YAHWEH is God". Joel is one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament, the author of the Book of Joel, which describes a plague of locusts. This was a popular name for Puritan boys in 17th-century England.
Jonah - Derived from the Hebrew name יוֹנָה (Yonah) meaning "dove". This was the name of a prophet swallowed by a fish, as told in the Old Testament Book of Jonah. The story has a long interpretive history and has been read as an anticipation of Jesus's resurrection.
Jonathan - Contracted form of Hebrew name Nathaniel, meaning "God has given." In the Old Testament, Jonathan was the son of Saul and close friend of David. The name has been common since the Middle Ages. Short forms include Jon, Johnny, Jonty, Jock and Jack.
Jordan - From the Hebrew name יַרְדֵן (Yarden) meaning "to descend" or "to flow down". This is the name of a river that flows from north of the Sea of Galilee down to the Dead Sea. John the Baptist baptized Jesus Christ in its waters, as told in the New Testament.
Josiah - From the Hebrew name יֹאשִׁיָּהוּ (Yoshiyahu) meaning "YAHWEH supports". This was the name of a righteous king of Judah who lived about 600 years before Christ. In the New Testament this name is borne by a later king of Judah who gives shelter to Jehoiachin.
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