Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Jax
BoyAmerican (modern coinage), English· “short for Jackson, son of Jack”
- Meaning
- short for Jackson, son of Jack
- Origin
- American (modern coinage), English
- Pronunciation
- JAKS
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #342
- US babies 2025
- 961
- Best rank
- #208 (2014)
- Peak year
- 2015
Meaning and origin of Jax
Jax is an American (modern coinage) and English name that is usually said to mean “short for Jackson, son of Jack”.
Jax is a modern American name that began as a short form of Jackson, meaning "son of Jack," and can also shorten Jaxon or Jaxton. Jack itself developed in medieval England as a pet form of John, which goes back to the Hebrew for "God is gracious." Jax has become a standalone name in recent years, popular with parents who want something short, punchy and distinctive. The X ending gives it a contemporary edge, and it is often seen as a tough, energetic choice. Jax is easy to spell once learned, and it pairs well with longer, traditional middle names.
Popularity over time
Jax first appears in US Social Security records in 1995. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 20 different years, starting in 2005. Its best national rank was #208 in 2014, and the most babies received it in 2015, when 1,865 were named Jax. In 2025, 961 babies were named Jax, and it ranked #342 nationally. That is 48% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,620 in 2000, #348 in 2010, and #342 in 2025. Of the 25,085 US boys named Jax since records began, 61% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 7,368 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Corbin, Paxton, Jayceon, Simon, and Maximus.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Jax ranked highest in South Dakota, North Dakota, and Utah.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota | #160 | 9 |
| North Dakota | #162 | 8 |
| Utah | #163 | 34 |
| Iowa | #198 | 21 |
| Nevada | #221 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Jax over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Jax is usually pronounced JAKS, with one syllable. It has three letters, starts with J and ends in “-ax”.
Middle names for Jax
A few middle names that flow with Jax: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Jax
Similar names
Dax Boy
DAKS
“uncertain; possibly from a French town” · French
#692
Kash Boy
KASH
“variant of Cash, an English surname” · American (modern coinage)
#286
Max Boy
MAKS
“greatest” · Latin
#180
Jaxon Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#115
Chase Boy
CHAYS
“hunter” · English
#192
Jace Boy
JAYS
“modern short form of Jason” · American (modern coinage)
#114
Jaxson Boy
JAK-suhn
“son of Jack” · American (modern coinage)
#156
Jayce Boy
JAYS
“modern short form of Jason” · American (modern coinage)
#167
Zane Boy
ZAYN
English
#324
King Boy
KING
“king” · English
#405
Gage Boy
GAYJ
“pledge” · English
#973
Rhett Boy
RET
“from a surname; possibly advice” · Dutch
#188
Lists that include Jax
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Jax mean?
Jax is an American (modern coinage) and English name that is usually said to mean “short for Jackson, son of Jack”.
What is the origin of the name Jax?
Jax has modern American and English roots. Jax is a modern American name that began as a short form of Jackson, meaning "son of Jack," and can also shorten Jaxon or Jaxton.
Is Jax a popular name?
Yes. Jax ranked #342 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Jax a boy or girl name?
Jax is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Jax over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Jax?
Jax is usually pronounced JAKS. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings