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A good last name indicates your ancestry and lineage. Last names that start with J are unique among other last names because this initial has a stylish sound in English and other languages such as French. Hence, its usage in a name makes it sound more sophisticated.
From the English James to the French Jacques, the Spanish Joaquin, and the German Jahn, many surnames that start with J are associated with the Bible. Such holy associations make them more desirable as family names. The element starting with J in Japanese and Korean represents a positive attribute. In certain cases, a phonetic element starting with J is added to an existing last name to make it sound more elegant.
In this post, we have compiled a list of last names starting with J. These are collected from all over the world and have made a mark in their part of the globe.
Last Names That Start With J
Last names that start with J have a unique and stylish sound. They are not only common but also carry positive meanings across different cultures. Some have biblical origins, while others reflect geographical or occupational roots. Understanding these names can provide insights into heritage and family history. The following names are listed under different categories according to their culture.
Mexican Last Names That Start With J
Mexican last names often have an association with the Bible. Several last names also reflect Mexico’s indigenous culture or colonial history. These last names starting with J are no exception.
1. Jacinto
This Mexican last name is also used in Portuguese and is derived from the same first name. Jacinto comes from Hyacinthus and means ‘hyacinth flower.’
2. Jacobo
Jacobo is derived from the same Spanish given name and is a form of James or Jacob. It means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel’ and has biblical significance.
3. Jacome
This family name used in both Spanish and Portuguese is another example of a name derived from Jacob. It means ‘holder of the heel’ or ‘supplanter,’ which has Hebrew roots and a biblical connection.
4. Jaime
This delectable surname is derived from the same Spanish and Portuguese personal name. It is a form of James, which means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’
5. Jaimes
Also spelled as Jaimez, Jaimes means ‘son of Jaime’ in Spanish. A famous name bearer, Bartolomé Jaimes was a Spanish nobleman and conquistador who was known for his conquest of Peru, Chile, and Tucuman. He was also present during the foundation of Córdoba in Argentina.
6. Jalomo
A Hispanic surname used mainly in Mexico, Jalomo is derived from the Hebrew word shalom, which means ‘peace.’
7. Jaquez
Also spelled as Jáquez, Jaquez is another surname derived from the Latin first name James or Jacobus. This name is associated with the Bible and means ‘holder of the heel’ or ‘supplanter.’
8. Jara
It originated as a habitational name for various places in southern Spain named Jara or La Jara. The name means ‘rock rose’ or ‘cistus.’
9. Jaramillo
It is a Spanish habitational name that originated from either Jaramillo de la Fuente or Jaramillo Quemada in Spain. It traveled to Mexico with the Spaniards and stayed there.
10. Jarquin
Sometimes written as Jarquín in Spanish, Jarquin has a surprising Arabic origin. It is a habitational name for a person from the east of jarqui or sharqi, meaning ‘eastern.’
11. Jerez
Jerez is a Spanish habitational name for people from places in Badajoz and Cádiz. The famous Spanish conquistador Vasco Núñez de Balboa, who discovered the Pacific Ocean in 1513, was born in the village of Jerez de los Caballeros in Badajoz (1).
12. Jijon
Jijon, also spelled as Jijón in Mexico and Ecuador, is an alternative form of the Spanish Gijón. Though Gijón is a habitational name for people from the largest city in Asturias, it also means ‘rock’ or ‘stone.’
13. Jiminez
Also spelled as Jiménez and Giménez, this surname means son of Jimeno, which is possibly a variation of Simon. In a way, it refers to ‘hearing’ or ‘listening.’
14. Joaquin
It is the Spanish equivalent of Joachim. This name has Hebrew roots and is mentioned in the Bible, wherein it means ‘God has granted.’
15. Jorda
This family name is considered holy because it is derived from the river Jordan. Jordan comes from Hebrew and means ‘descend’ or ‘flow down.’
16. Jorge
Jorge is yet another Mexican last name derived from the same first name. It is the Spanish form of the English George and means ‘farmer’ or ‘earthworker.’
17. Jose
A family name in many languages, Jose is derived from the same personal name. Jose, the first name, is the Spanish form of Joseph and means ‘He will add.’ As a derivative of Joseph, Jose has strong biblical associations.
18. Joya
This cute family name is derived from a nickname and the word joya, which means ‘piece of jewelry.’ It is also a habitational name for several places named La Joya in Spain.
19. Juan
You might recognize this surname as a personal name, too. It is derived from the same name and is the Spanish form of John, which means ‘God is gracious.’
20. Juarez
Juarez is a variant of Suárez, which means ‘son of Suero.’ It is a Spanish personal name that means ‘heavy’ or ‘serious.’
21. Jurado
This family name originated as an occupational name for officials who take an oath about performing their duty properly. It is derived from the Spanish word jurado, meaning ‘sworn.’
22. Justiniano
Justiniano is a majestic surname used in Spanish and Portuguese. It is derived from the name Justin, which means ‘just’ or ‘upright.’
Discover more Mexican Last Names
Hispanic Last Names That Start With J
Hispanic names that start with J include names not only used in Spain but also in Mexico, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, and several other countries. Check out the variety of names from each country here.
23. Jaen
Alternatively spelled as Jaén, Jaen is a habitational name for people from the city of Jaén in Andalusia. It has roots in Latin and has an Arabic influence, too.
24. Jamaica
Jamaica is a habitational name derived from the place Jamaica, an island in the Caribbean Sea. It is derived from Taíno and is called Xaymaca, which means ‘land of wood and water’ or ‘land of springs.’
25. Jardines
Jardines is simply the plural form of Jardin, which means ‘garden’ in Old French. It was originally given as a metonymic occupational name for someone who worked in a garden or a topographic one for someone who lived near one.
26. Jauregui
Though Jauregui is not a typical Hispanic surname, it is the Hispanicized form of the Basque Jauregi, which means ‘palace.’ It is written in Spanish as Jáuregui.
Did you know?27. Jaurigue
Jaurigue is another beloved surname derived from the Basque Jauregui. It is a habitational name from several places called Jauregi and means ‘palace,’ ‘manor,’ or ‘house.’
28. Jasso
Jasso is a variant of Jaso, which is derived from Jatso in Basque. It is probably a habitational name from a place name that has jats or ‘sorghum’ combined with the suffix -zu.
29. Javalera
This family name originated as a variant of Jabalera, which is a habitational name for people from Jabalera in Cuenca province. It is used predominantly in Mexico rather than in Spain and can be considered a Hispanic surname.
30. Javier
This surname is perhaps one of the most popular and well-known family names around the world. It is the Spanish rendition of the name Xavier, given in honor of Saint Francis Xavier (3).
31. Jeremias
Jeremias is another Hispanic family name related to the Bible. It is derived from the biblical name Jeremiah, which means ‘God will exalt’ in Hebrew.
32. Jiminian
A Hispanic surname predominantly used in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, Jiminian is a variation of the Italian Giminiani or Gemignani. It is the vernacular form of the Latin Geminianus, meaning ‘twin.’
33. Jiron
Jiron is a Hispanic surname predominantly used in Nicaragua and spelled as Jirón. It is an alternative spelling of the Spanish Girón, which means ‘spear’ or ‘lance.’
34. Joachin
Joachin is considered to be linked to the Bible and is a variant of Joachim. This surname has Hebrew origins and means ‘God has granted.’
35. Jonda
This family name has an unexpected connection with Japanese. It means ‘slingshot’ and ‘hole’ in Spanish and is a Japanized variant of Honda.
36. Jorquera
This family name is a habitational name that is given to people from Jorquera in Castile-La Mancha, Spain. Over time, it has become a Hispanic last name.
37. Jovel
A Hispanic surname mainly used in El Salvador and Honduras, Jovel is the variant of the Catalan Jovell, which means ‘maker of yokes’ or ‘plowman.’ It is a metonymic occupational name.
38. Juancarlos
Hispanic surnames are known to be made by combining two popular names. Juancarlos is one such name made by combining Juan, which means ‘God is gracious,’ and Carlos, which means ‘free man.’
39. Juarbe
A Hispanic surname mainly used in Puerto Rico, Juarbe is the Castilianized version of a Basque place name called Suarbe in Navarre.
40. Judith
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One of the few surnames derived from a feminine name, Judith has Hebrew roots. It means ‘Jewish woman’ and is the name of Esau’s wife in the Old Testament.
41. Juliano
Juliano is another Hispanic family name derived from a personal name. It is derived from Julius, which means ‘downy-bearded’ and is associated with Julius Caesar (4).
42. Junco
Junco is a family name that was originally a topographic name for a person who lived where reeds grew. This name has roots in Latin with a meaning that suggests open spaces and fresh air.
43. Juvenal
Juvenal is derived from the same personal name and means ‘youthful’ in Latin. It is used as a family name among Portuguese and American English people, too.
Spanish Last Names That Start With J
Spanish names that start with J have a distinctive sound. They may be related to the Bible but are often descriptive or habitational, too.
44. Japon
This Spanish and Filipino surname is often spelled as Japón or Hapon. It is the ethnic name for a person from Japan or someone with Japanese connections.
45. Jesús
Though Jesús is a variant of Jesus and has a similar spelling, this family name is pronounced kheh-SOOS in Spanish. It has Hebrew roots and means ‘God is salvation.’
46. Jovene
Jovene originally started as a nickname for joven, which means ‘young’ in Spanish.’ It is derived from the Latin juvenis and is used to denote the younger person in a household.
47. Juares
A variant of Juarez, these family names are ultimately derived from Suarez, which means ‘son of Suero.’ Suero means ‘heavy’ or ‘serious.’
48. Juliana
Another last name derived from a feminine name, Juliana is derived from Julius. It has Latin roots and means ‘youthful’ or ‘downy-bearded.’
49. Julio
Julio is another fantastic family name to be derived from Julius. Interestingly, it can also be used as a first name and is more well-known.
50. Junio
Junio is a family name that also means ‘June’ in Spanish. Ultimately, it comes from Juno and means ‘young.’ In Roman mythology, Juno is the name of Jupiter’s wife.
51. Justo
Justo is derived from the Latin Justus, which is also the root word for Justin. It is also a Portuguese surname and means ‘just’ and ‘fair.’
Check out more Spanish surnames
Black Last Names That Start With J
Black last names include not only those names used in Africa but also those that commonly used among the African American community. These names may indicate religion, tribe, or occupation.
52. Jackson
The African American community adopted this surname in honor of the American President Andrew Jackson (5). Michael Jackson is one of the most well-known personalities carrying this last name.
53. Jacobs
Another name derived from Jacob, Jacobs has a biblical connection that is considered holy and divine. This surname has origins in Hebrew but has been adapted into several languages.
54. Jacobson
This family name is derived from the name Jacob and is considered holy because of its biblical connections. It could also be a form of Jacobsson or Jacobsen.
55. Jacquet
Jacquet comes from Jacob and thus, has a biblical connection. In recent years, Jacquet is mostly used as a French and Walloon surname.
56. Jallah
Jallah is a West African surname predominantly used in Liberia. It is derived from the same personal name and is found among the Kpelle and Gola people.
57. Jalloh
A West African surname used in Sierra Leone, Jalloh is considered a variant of Diallo. It is usually given to the people from the Diallo clan of the Fulani people.
58. Jallow
Another variant of Diallo, this surname is often used interchangeably with Jalloh. It is also a West African surname.
59. Jama
Jama is a Muslim surname commonly found among Islamic African Americans. It is derived from the Arabic jami, which means ‘author,’ ‘writer,’ or ‘gatherer of texts.’
60. Jamerson
An alternative form of Jameson, this surname is common among African Americans. It is associated with the Bible and so considered holy.
61. James
This is an English and Welsh surname adopted by the African American community. It is now a common surname among Blacks and means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’
62. Janvier
Another French and West Indian Haitian surname, Janvier has French and Latin roots. It is derived from janus and means ‘covered passage’ or ‘arcade.’ It could also be a nickname for a baby born in January.
63. Jarmon
A family name that has ties with the Norman era, Jarmon is derived from German. It means ‘spear men’ and has been adopted by the Black community over the years.
64. Jawara
Jawara is a West African surname mainly used in Gambia and Sierra Leone. It is a variant of Diawara and refers to the clan and ethnic subgroup of the Soninke people.
65. Jean
Jean is a form of John and means ‘God is gracious.’ It has French roots and is used in the West Indies, too.
66. Jean-Baptiste
Often written as Jeanbaptiste, Jean-Baptiste has its roots in French. It is a combination of Jean, meaning ‘God is gracious,’ and Baptiste, meaning ‘baptist.’ It is considered another name for John the Baptist and is used widely among West Indians.
67. Jean-Charles
Jean-Charles is a West Indian surname mostly used in Haiti and as Jeancharles in the US. It is made by combining two surnames, Jean, meaning ‘God is gracious,’ and Charles, meaning ‘free man.’
Did you know?68. Jean-Francois
Also spelled as Jean-François or Jeanfrançois in the US, Jean-Francois is a French and West Indian surname. It is a compound of Jean and Francois and means ‘God is gracious’ and ‘French man,’ respectively.
69. Jean-Louis
Often spelled as Jeanlouis in the US, Jean-Louis is a French and West Indian surname used in Haiti. It is derived as a combination of Jean, meaning ‘God is gracious’ and Louis, meaning ‘famous in war.’
70. Jean-Marie
A combination of Jean, which means ‘God is gracious,’ and Marie, which means ‘star of the sea,’ Jean-Marie is also spelled as Jeanmarie in the US. It is often used as a first name, too.
71. Jean-Paul
Another combination name, Jean-Paul is often used as Jeanpaul in the US. It is a West Indian surname that means ‘God is gracious’ and ‘small.’
72. Jean-Philippe
Often spelled as Jeanphilippe in the US, this family name has French roots and is derived from the same personal name. It is a combination of Jean, meaning ‘God is gracious,’ and Philippe, meaning ‘lover of horses.’
73. Jean-Pierre
Another Haitian surname from the West Indies, Jean-Pierre is often spelled as Jeanpierre in French and the US. It is made by a combination of Jean, meaning ‘God is gracious,’ and Pierre, meaning ‘stone’ or ‘rock.’
74. Jeanty
This surname originally started being used as a nickname for Jean or the Old French gentil. It means ‘noble,’ ‘generous,’ and ‘amiable.’ Now, it has become a common Haitian surname.
75. Jefferson
Jefferson is a surname meaning ‘son of Jeffrey’ and was originally used by Whites. However, after American President Thomas Jefferson signed the Act prohibiting the slave trade, it was adopted by freed slaves (7). Now, Jefferson is common among the African American community.
76. Jelks
This interesting family name could have two origins. It could either be derived from Giles, which means ‘young goat,’ or a variant of Gillian, meaning ‘youthful.’
77. Jemison
Jemison originally was created as a pet form of James with the added suffix -son. Now, it is a popular family name in its own right.
78. Jemmott
Jemmott comes from the personal name Jemot and is a pet form of James. This surname is commonly used in Barbados, Trinidad, and Tobago, and Saint Lucia.
79. Jensen
Jensen is another name that is derived from John. Alternatively, it could be a variant of Jenssen.
80. Jeter
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Considered a variant of the English Geater, Jeter is now a predominantly used surname among African Americans. It is an occupational name that means ‘caster of metal.’
81. Jeudy
Jeudy is a French and Haitian surname considered a variant of Jeudi. It is given to a baby born or found on Thursday.
82. Jiggetts
An alternative form of Checketts, this Black family name has roots in Middle English and means ‘checked’ or ‘checkered.’ It may have originated as a reference to either complexion or clothing.
83. Jiles
A variant of Giles, Jiles has Latin roots and could mean ‘kid’ or ‘young goat.’ Over the years, it has been adapted into several languages including Greek, Old French, and English.
84. Johns
Created by adding an -s to John, this surname associated with the Bible is common among African Americans. Alternatively, it could also be a variant of Jones.
85. Johnson
Johnson means ‘son of John,’ and is a common surname among both Native Americans and African Americans.
86. Johnston
Johnston is a surname derived by combining John with the Middle English ton, which means ‘town,’ ‘village,’ or ‘settlement.’ Alternatively, it could also be a habitational surname from a place name meaning ‘John’s settlement.’
87. Joiner
Another variant of Joyner, this family name also means ‘maker of wooden furniture.’ Both Joyner and Joiner are popular surnames among the African American community.
88. Jointer
This African American family name is probably derived from the English Joyner, an occupational name for a maker of wooden furniture. It is derived from the Anglo-Norman French joignour, which means ‘to join’ or ‘to connect.’
89. Jolivette
This Black family name is a variant of the French Jolivet. It has roots in Old French and means ‘cheerful,’ ‘lively,’ and ‘pretty.’
90. Jone
It is one of the several surnames derived from Jone and is considered common among African Americans. It means ‘God is gracious’ and is associated with the Bible.
91. Joof
This is a Serer family name and has roots in French. It refers to the African antelope and symbolizes ‘grace,’ ‘strength,’ and ‘hard work.’
92. Joseph
Joseph is a West Indian and African surname used mostly in Haiti, Tanzania, and Nigeria. It has Hebrew roots and means ‘may God add.’
93. Josiah
Josiah is a biblical name derived from Hebrew. It more likely means ‘God supports,’ but could also mean ‘despair of God.’
94. Joshua
Joshua has Hebrew roots, is associated with the Bible, and is derived from Yehoshuah, which means ‘may God help him.’ It is transliterated into Latin into European biblical texts.
95. Judon
Judon is a variation of the French Jaudon and means ‘Goth’ or ‘Geat,’ both ethnic names for ancient tribes. These names could mean ‘to pour.’
96. Jules
This family name is another Black surname with French roots. It is derived from the French personal name Jules and ultimately the Latin Julius. It is most common in Haiti, West Indies.
97. Julien
Another Black surname with French roots, Julien is a derivative of Julian, which means ‘youthful’ or ‘downy-bearded.’ Alternatively, it is often used as a shortened version of Saint-Julien in the US.
98. Juma
This Muslim surname has roots in Arabic and is predominantly used as a Swahili family name. It is derived from the same first name and means ‘Friday’ or ‘week’ in Arabic.
99. Junior
Junior originated as a personal name or nickname, usually used to identify the younger of two people with the same name in a household. It has Latin roots and means ‘younger.’
100. Jupiter
This Haitian family name with French roots is derived from the Roman god of the sky and thunder. Even today, Jupiter is a meaningful surname as it is the largest planet in our solar system.
Trivia101. Juste
Juste is a short and sweet West Indian surname with roots in French and Latin. It comes from the Latin justus, which means ‘just’ and ‘upright.’
Discover more Black surnames
Italian Last Names That Start With J
Italian names already have a sense of stylishness and sophistication that set them apart. The last names that start with J have an added layer of modernity.
102. Jacaruso
This family name is created by combining la- from the personal name Ianni with the south Italian caruso, which means ‘lad’ or ‘boy.’
103. Jacobini
Another surname derived from Jacob, Jacobini means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’ Its biblical associations make it admirable.
104. Jacobucci
This unique Italian surname is a variant of Iacobucci. These names are ultimately derived from the biblical Jacob.
105. Jaconelli
Jaconelli is a distinctive Italian surname that originated as a diminutive of Iacono. These surnames come from the Italian word diacono, which means ‘deacon.’
106. Jadanza
Jadanza is a habitational family name given to people from a place named Iadanza in Benevento province in Italy. This surname is predominantly used in the Campania region.
107. Jannelli
Jannelli is a South Italian surname derived as a patronymic or a plural form of Iannello. These names come from the Italian Ianni and the English John.
108. Jannuzzi
The Italian family name Jannuzzi may be said to be derived from Iannuzzi. It is derived from Ianni, which comes from John and means ‘God is gracious.’
109. Jilani
Jilani is a variant of Gilani, which is surprisingly derived from Persian. It was originally given as a habitational name for a person from Gilan, Iran.
110. Jorio
Jorio is a southern Italian surname derived from a central-southern form of the personal name Giorgio. It is a variant of George and means ‘farmer’ or ‘earthworker.’
111. Jossa
Jossa is a habitational name for a person from Rossa in Vercelli province, Italy. Alternatively, it could also be a variant of Rosso, meaning ‘red.’
112. Jovino
A family name derived from the personal name Covino, Jovino could also be considered a diminutive of Iacovo, derived from Jacob.
113. Jurio
Another variant of Giorgio, Jurio is also considered a variation of Jorio. These names are derived from George.
114. Justiniani
This family name has Latin roots and is derived from Justinianus and Justinus, which mean ‘just’ and ‘upright.’ It is related to Justin, too.
Check out more Italian last names.
Japanese Last Names That Start With J
Japanese last names that start with J often use different kanji characters. Hence, they may have various meanings depending on the character used.
115. Jabashiri
This name is inspired by the Japanese word jabashiri, which means ‘a place where sand collapses quickly.’ This last name may be inspired by the beach and hence, is apt for sea lovers.
116. Jahana
This Japanese family name could mean ‘apologize,’ ‘thank,’ ‘refuse,’ and ‘flower’ according to the kanji used to write the name. It is mainly used in the Okinawa region of Japan.
117. Jibiki
From the Japanese letters meaning ‘letter’ and ‘pull,’ this unique last name refers to a dictionary. This surname could be considered for a person who dedicates themselves to study.
118. Jifuku
This optimistic Japanese family name means ‘ground,’ ‘earth,’ ‘blessing,’ ‘fortune,’ and ‘luck.’ This surname may relate to farmers and those working with the earth.
119. Jigane
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A variant reading of Samuraigane, this powerful Japanese surname means ‘warrior’ and ‘money.’ It could possibly refer to a wealthy warrior.
120. Jige
Another name related to the earth, Jige means ‘ground,’ ‘below,’ ‘down,’ and ‘under.’ The surname could refer to invoking the blessings of the earth.
121. Jikihara
Jikihara is a positive Japanese surname that means ‘honesty,’ ‘frankness,’ ‘fix,’ ‘meadow,’ and ‘field.’ Possibly given as an occupational name to farmers, this Japanese surname is one of the more popular ones in Japan.
122. Jikumaru
This unique Japanese family name means ‘axis,’ ‘pivot,’ ‘stem,’ ‘round,’ and ‘perfection.’ It is a common surname in Japan.
123. Jimboh
Another variant of Jimbō, this family name means ‘deity’ and ‘treasure.’ These surnames possibly refer to god as a treasure for mankind.
124. Jimbo
Jimbo is a variant reading of Jimbō, which comes from Shimpo. This surname means ‘deity,’ ‘god,’ and ‘treasure.’
125. Jimbou
This quirky last name ends with a -u and is considered the rare variant of Jimbo. These surnames can be interchangeably used.
126. Jimuta
Pronounced as JEE-MOO-TA, this Japanese last name uses the phonetic character ji with the element muta, which means ‘wetland’ or ‘bog.’
127. Jimyou
This stylish family name has several meanings according to the kanji used. It means ‘hold,’ ‘possess,’ ‘bright,’ clear,’ and ‘obvious.’
128. Jinboh
Another variant of Jinbo, this rare Japanese last name is pronounced as JEEM-BO. However, is a rarely used surname in Japan.
129. Jinbo
Surprisingly, Jinbo is another variant of Jimbo and means ‘deity’ and ‘treasure.’ It is pronounced either as JEEN-BO or JEEM-BO.
130. Jinbou
This surname could be considered a variant of Jimbou. These surnames are rare and are pronounced as JEEM-BO.
131. Jinguji
Also spelled as Jingūji in English, this Japanese last name could mean ‘God’s palace of the director.’ It is pronounced as GIN-GOO-JHE.
132. Jin
Jin is a rare Japanese surname that means ‘rank’ or ‘battle array.’ It is one of the few Japanese surnames related to war or conflicts.
133. Jinnouchi
Pronounced as JIN-NOH-OO-CHEE, this Japanese surname means ‘camp’ and ‘inside.’ The -no- sound is considered a phonetic element.
134. Jinushi
Jinushi is a common Japanese surname that means ‘ground,’ ‘earth,’ ‘master,’ and ‘owner.’ It is one of the names related to the earth and may be given to a family engaged in farming.
135. Jirohman
This surname is derived from the rare Jirōman, and means ‘second son.’ It could also refer to a general store run by a second son.
136. Jiroman
This is another variant of Jirohman. As an occupational surname with a specific meaning, these surnames are rarely used.
137. Jiro
This Japanese family name means ‘ear’ and ‘son’ or ‘male.’ It could possibly mean ‘ear of the son’ and could be given to a first-born male child.
138. Jo
Also spelled as Jō, this one-syllable surname is a habitational family name for people living in a castle. Indeed, the element jo means ‘castle’ in Japanese.
139. Jonouchi
Also spelled as Jōnouchi, this Japanese last name contains elements that mean ‘castle’ and ‘inside.’
140. Joukoden
Another rare Japanese surname, Joukoden means ‘up,’ ‘above,’ ‘old,’ ‘ancient,’ ‘lord,’ and ‘palace.’ This name might have originated as a habitational name for someone living in a palace or manor.
141. Juba
This rarely used surname means ‘ten places’ in Japanese. It may also be spelled as Jūba.
142. Junko
Junko is a two-syllable Japanese family name that could have several meanings. It could mean ‘pure child’ or ‘truth child’ among others.
143. Juuikka
This rare Japanese surname means ‘ten,’ ‘one,’ and ‘house.’ Together, it could mean ‘ten in one house’ and may be given to a family living jointly.
144. Juumonji
This quirky family name means ‘cross’ or ‘crisscross’ in Japanese. It is associated with writing and could be apt for imparting knowledge.
Check out more Japanese surnames
French Last Names That Start With J
French last names are often known for their charm. These last names starting with J are among the most stylish ones in the world.
145. Jacot
Jacquot is a variant of Jacquot, which is derived from the same given name. Ultimately, these names are derived from Jacob and mean ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’
146. Jacqueman
This unique French surname is derived as a pet form of the given name Jacques. This is another name associated with the Bible.
147. Jacquemin
Another French surname that could be a variant of Jacqueman, Jacquemin is also derived from Jacques. These names have high holy significance.
148. Jacques
This is a classic French surname that originates from the same given name. It is a form of James, and thus Jacob, and means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’
149. Jacquin
Jacquin is a well-known family name derived as a pet form of the personal name Jacques. It means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’
150. Jade
This family name could be given to a person with jade-green eyes. On the other hand, it could be from the same given name, which is the name of a precious stone.’
151. Janin
Janin is a relationship name derived from the same given name. It is also considered to be a diminutive of Jan, Jon, or Jen.
152. Janisse
Janisse is possibly a variant of the French Janisset, which is considered to be a pet form of Jan and Jean. Ultimately, these names are derived from John.
153. Jardel
Jardel could have several origins and meanings. However, the most common explanation for Jardel is that it is derived from the Old French jardel and means ‘garden.’
154. Jardin
Another name derived from the Old French jardin, this surname means ‘enclosure’ or ‘garden.’ It could be given as a topographic name for someone who lives near a garden or an occupational name for a person who works as a gardener.
155. Jeanne
This family name is one of the rare ones derived from a feminine name. In this case, Jeanne is derived from the same name and means ‘God is gracious.’
156. Jeannot
This is another family name derived from a first name. Jeannot originates from the same given name and is the French diminutive of Jean.
157. Jeanpetit
Derived as a combination of Jean and petit, which means ‘small’ in French, this family name is suitable as a nickname either for a man of a short stature named Jean or used ironically for a large man with the same name. It could also be given to the younger one of two people named Jean.
158. Jeaume
This family name is a variant of Jaume, a derivative of the same given name. These names are derived from James.
159. Jehan
This unique French family name is derived from the Medieval French given name Jehan, a variant of John. It has biblical connections that make it popular even in current times.
160. Jere
Jere was derived as a diminutive for Jerome, which has Greek roots and means ‘sacred name.’ Later, it transitioned into a well-loved last name.
161. Jermain
Another variant of Germain, this name also means ‘brother.’ It is a common surname in France.
162. Jérôme
Also spelled as Jerome, this French surname is derived from the same first name. It has roots in Greek and means ‘sacred name.’
163. Jervaise
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This popular surname is also used in English and is a variant of Gervais. It could mean ‘spear,’ ‘servant,’ or ‘old.’
164. Jett
A variant of Jette, this name possibly originated as a nickname for a baby. Ironically, it means ‘thrown out.’
165. Jeune
This popular surname is derived from the French jeune, which means ‘young.’ It is also often used as Lejeune.
166. Joffé
This family name is usually used among Ashkenazi Jews as a variant of Jaffe, meaning ‘beautiful.’ Other variations for this name include Yaffe, Ioffe, and Yoffe.
167. Joffrin
This French surname is a variation of Geoffrion, which could be derived from Geoffrey. This name that signifies ‘peace’ is also used often in the US.
168. Jolicoeur
Originated as a nickname for a cheerful person, Jolicoeur is derived from the Old French joli, meaning ‘joyful’ and ‘cheerful,’ and cuer, meaning ‘heart.’ It is used extensively in Canada and Haiti.
169. Joliet
This family name that starts with J is derived from the French Jolie combined with the suffix -et. Together, the name means ‘pretty little one.’
170. Joly
This family name that originated as a nickname for a cheerful person has made its mark. It is derived from the Old French joli(f), which means ‘cheerful,’ ‘lively,’ and ‘pretty.’
171. Joubert
This interesting French last name could be derived from either Gautbert or Waldebert. It means either Geat (a tribe name) and ‘bright’ or ‘power’ and ‘bright.’
172. Jovine
An Americanized form of the French and Swiss French Sauvain, Jovine is a habitational name for a place with a similar name in Loire.
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Korean Last Names That Start With J
Korean last names that start with J are mostly derived from Sino-Korean. These names are written using the Hanji script and are traditionally written before the first name.
173. Jaegal
This family name is derived from Sino-Korean and is a form of Zhuge, which is a Chinese surname and means ‘all’ and ‘vines.’
174. Jang
Another family name derived from Sino-Korean, Jang is the Korean form of Zhang, which is a Chinese surname that means ‘stretch’ or ‘extend.’
175. Jegal
This family name has different variations in other languages such as Zhuge in Chinese and Gia Cát in Vietnamese. It means ‘many kudzu plants’ and is synonymous with wisdom in Chinese culture.
176. Jeon
Jeon is derived from the Sino-Korean element jeon, which means ‘whole’ or ‘entire.’ It originally started as a nickname and then transitioned into a family name.
177. Jeong
This family name is the Korean form of Zheng, a Chinese surname that refers to the ancient state of Zheng. Jeong is derived from the Sino-Korean element jeong.
178. Jong
This family name is derived as a habitational surname. It is the alternative Romanized spelling of Jeong and is predominantly used in North Korea.
179. Joo
Joo is derived as a variation of the Korean Hangul Ju. These surnames are the Korean forms of Zhu, a Chinese surname meaning ‘vermillion red’ or ‘cinnabar.’
180. Ju
A family name that originated as a Korean form of Zhu, which is a Chinese surname that could either mean ‘vermillion’ or ‘cinnabar.’ Also, it could be a habitational name referring to the ancient state of Zhu.
181. Jwi
Jwi means ‘mouse’ in Korean. Though the origins of this family name are unknown, it could have come from an association with small stature.
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German Last Names That Start With J
German last names that start with J mostly indicate religion, though there are several examples of habitational and occupational names, too. This list is a tiny segment of a large range.
182. Jacobi
Derived from the given name Jacob, Jacobi is used in several languages including English, Portuguese, French, and Dutch, apart from German. It is predominantly used among the Jewish community.
183. Jacob
This biblical family name is derived from the given name Jacob. It means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’
184. Jaeger
A variant of Jäger, Jaeger is a German occupational name that is derived from the Old High German jagon, which means ‘to hunt.’ Jaeger literally means ‘hunter’ in German.
185. Jager
Another variant of Jäger, this family name also means ‘hunter’ and is derived from the German element meaning ‘to hunt.’
186. Jägermeisterssen
This surname may be a mouthful but it has an amazing meaning. It means ‘son of the master hunter’ and was originally given to the son of the lead hunter in hunting camps.
187. Jahn
Another variant of Jäger, this family name also means ‘hunter’ and is derived from the German element meaning ‘to hunt.’
188. Jahne
Jahne is a German last name considered a variant of Jahn. These names come from a Low German short form of Johannes and John.
189. Jahns
This German patronymic comes from the personal name Jahn, which is derived from John. These names are associated with the Bible and hence, are considered divine.
190. Jänicke
Jänicke is a family name that originated as a pet form of the personal name Johann. Again, this name is derived from John and means ‘God is gracious.’
191. Jannusch
This German family name is derived from a given name. It was originally used as a pet form of Jan before transitioning into a last name.
192. Jans
A German surname also used in Dutch, Jans is a patronymic derived from the personal name Jan. These family names are one of the several derived from John.
193. Janson
Janson is a family name that means ‘son of Jan.’ These names are variants of John and mean ‘God is gracious.’
194. Janz
Janz is another family name that means ‘son of Jan.’ As a variant of John, Janz may be considered a cousin of Janson.
195. Japp
Japp is derived as a diminutive of Jacob. Literary lovers may recognize Inspector Japp from Agatha Christie’s novels featuring Hercule Poirot.
196. Jenner
As a German surname, Jenner is derived from the given name Januarius. This is a Roman cognomen that means ‘January’ in Latin.
197. Jenny
Another one of the several family names derived from John, Jenny is used both in Swiss German and Alsatian. It means ‘God is gracious’ and has a distinct association with the Bible.
198. Jeorg
This family name is obtained by the anglicized spelling of Jörg. It is considered the German equivalent to the English George.
199. Jilka
Jilka is a German and Czech surname that originated as a nickname for a fair-haired man. It is spelled Bílka in Czech and is derived from bílý, meaning ‘white.’
200. Job
Image: Momjunction Design Team
Job has Hebrew roots and is derived from the personal name Iyyob. It is considered to have been inspired by Job in the Bible, the author of the Book of Job (9).
201. Jochen
Another family name derived from a given name, Jochen is derived from the same first name. These names mean ‘God will give’ or ‘God will establish.’
202. Johann
This family name is also derived from the same personal name. It is one of the many variants of John and means ‘God is gracious.’
203. Jöllenbeck
Jöllenbeck is a habitational name derived from the name of a village in western Germany. Half part of the name comes from the river Jölle and is combined with the Low German beck, which means ‘stream.’
204. Jorgenson
Jorgenson is a respelling of the Danish Jørgensen, which means ‘son of Jørgen.’ These names are derived from George and mean ‘farmer’ or ‘earthworker.’
205. Josten
A family name in both German and Dutch, Josten is a patronymic derived from the personal name Jost. It comes from Joyce and means ‘lord.’
206. Jud
Also used in Slovenian, Jud is an ethnic name that could also be a nickname. It is derived from the Middle High German jude and means ‘Jew.’
207. Juncker
Juncker is an occupational surname used in German, Danish, and French. It means ‘young nobleman’ in German and Danish.
208. Jundt
This family name is derived as a diminutive of the feminine given name Judith. It has roots in Hebrew and means ‘Jewish woman.’
209. Jung
This German last name is derived from the Middle High German junc that means ‘young.’ Junge is a variant of this family name. Incidentally, Jung is also a Korean surname.
210. Jungmann
Jungmann is an interesting family name in German. It could have originated as a descriptive name as it means ‘young man’ from the German Jung and Mann.
Check out more German last names
English Last Names That Start With J
English surnames that start with J are used not only in England but also in other English-speaking countries including the US.
211. Jack
Derived from the same given name, Jack is a popular English surname. It is derived from John and means ‘God is gracious.’
212. Jackman
This interesting surname means ‘servant of Jack.’ Hugh Jackman, the Australian actor, is one of the most notable bearers of this name.
213. Jacoby
A variant spelling of Jacobi, this Jewish surname has roots in Hebrew and is related to Jacob from the Bible. It means ‘supplanter’ or ‘holder of the heel.’
214. Jacoway
This family name is used mainly in the US and is considered a variant of the given name Jacques. This name is associated with the Bible through Jacob.
215. Jacox
Jacox was derived as a variant of Jaycox, a patronymic surname derived as a pet form of Jack. It is another name associated with the Bible and means ‘God is gracious.’
216. Jagger
Jagger is an occupational name derived from a word meaning ‘carter’ or ‘peddle.’ One of the most famous bearers of this name is Mick Jagger from the Rolling Stones.
217. Jakeman
Jakeman is a variant of Jackman and also means ‘servant of Jack.’ These names are derived from John and mean ‘God is gracious.’
218. Jameson
Jameson means ‘son of James.’ Other variations of Jameson include James and Jamison.
219. Jamet
An English and Welsh surname with biblical connections, Jamet is related to James. It means ‘holder of the heel’ or ‘supplanter.’
220. Janney
Jannet is a family name with roots in Medieval English. It is derived from Jan and means ‘God is gracious.’
221. Jannon
Jannon is a family name derived as a patronymic from the Middle English personal name Jan. This name is a common form of John and is combined with the suffix -son.
222. Jared
Jared is the English variant of Garrett and is derived from Gerald or Gerard. These names either mean ‘power of the spear’ or ‘firm spear’ and are rooted in Germanic languages.
223. Jarman
An English surname of Norman origin, Jarman is considered to be derived from the French given name Germain. This surname means ‘brother.’
224. Jarvis
This family name is derived from the well-known Gervais and means ‘spear.’ Jarvis recently gained popularity as the name of an AI in Marvel’s The Avengers series voiced by Paul Bettany.
225. Jay
Also used as a French surname, Jay originated as a nickname from the Middle English and Old French jay(e) or gai, which means ‘jay bird.’ It could be given to a person who speaks a lot.
226. Jeffers
A patronymic derived from the given name Jeffrey, this family name comes from Geoffrey and means ‘peace.’ Robinson Jeffers was a popular American poet with this name.
227. Jeffery
This is another family name derived from Jeffrey and ultimately, Geoffrey. Jeffery is used both as a surname and a first name.
228. Jekyll
Jekyll is an interesting surname with its roots in Breton. It means ‘generous lord’ and is popular because of R.L. Stevenson’s 1886 novel Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, in which Dr. Henry Jekyll played the lead character.
229. Jenckes
Jenckes is another English surname derived from a given name. In this case, it is a variation of Jenkin, which is a medieval diminutive of John.
230. Jenness
Jenness is a patronymic derived from the Middle English personal name Jan. This name is also associated with John.
231. Jennings
Jennings is derived from the given name Jenyn, which is a diminutive of Jen. All these names originate from John.
232. Jepson
This name means ‘son of Jep.’ Jep is a given name that is a medieval diminutive of Geoffrey.
233. Jerningham
A variant of Jernigan, this majestic surname is possibly derived from the old Breton name Iarnogon and means ‘iron famous.’
234. Jessel
This family name originated as a pet form of Jessop, which ultimately comes from Joseph. It has roots in Hebrew and means ‘He will add.’
235. Jethro
This family name is derived from the same first name and has roots in Hebrew. It means ‘abundance.’
236. Jetson
This patronymic is derived from the personal name Jutt, which is a pet form of Jordan. Jetson, therefore, is indirectly derived from the name of the holy river.
237. Jewitt
Jewitt, a variant of Jewett, is an English surname that is derived from a given name. In this case, the given name is Julian and means ‘youthful.’
238. Jew
This family name originated as an ethnic name for a Jewish person. It is derived from the Middle English jeu and Old French giu.
239. Jordan
Used in several languages including German, French, Polish, Czech, and Spanish, Jordan is a Christian family name derived from the name of the river Jordan. It has roots in Hebrew and means ‘to flow down’ or ‘to descend.’
240. Joyce
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This family name is also derived from the same given name. Joyce has roots in Breton and means ‘lord.’
Check out more English surnames
Russian Last Names That Start With J
Russian last names starting with J take inspiration from several languages such as Czech and Polish. These last names are usually derivatives or variations of common English surnames.
241. Jaba
Jaba is a Russian surname derived from Czech. It originated as a nickname from the word cabit, which means ‘to weep.’
242. Jabin
A Jewish surname, Jabin is derived as a status name for a rabbi from the Polish, Ukrainian, and Belarusian word rabin.
243. Jablovsky
This Russian surname is derived from Jablonski. It has Polish roots and means ‘apple tree.’
244. Jakes
This family name is derived from the Czech Jakeš and is a derivative of Jacob. It also has associations with the Bible.
245. Janda
Janda is a family name that is derived from the personal name Jan, which is a variant of John. This name is also associated with the Bible.
246. Janiszewski
This family name is considered a habitational name for someone from Janiszew in several places. On the other hand, it could be derived from Janisz, a variant of Jan.
247. Janković
Janković simply means ‘son of Janko.’ Janko, in turn, is a variant of Jan or Janez, both variants of John.
248. Jasieński
A habitational surname for someone from Jasień, Jasionna, or Jasionka, Jasieński is often spelled Jasiński in Polish. These names are derived from the word jasień which means ‘ash tree.’
249. Jelinek
This Russian last name is also spelled as Jelínek in Czech. It originated as a nickname from jelínek, which means ‘deer.’
250. Jovanovic
A Serbian surname, Jovanovic is a patronymic derived from the personal name Jovan. It is derived from John and means ‘God is gracious.’ It is also a common surname in Croatia.
251. Jovanović
This patronymic is derived from the personal name Jovan, which comes from John. This surname is common in Serbia and Croatia, too.
Check out more Russian surnames
Discover More Names
When you have to choose a name for your baby, a few hundreds of names may not be just enough. Keep digging our mine of baby names until you find that one precious gem.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are there famous individuals with last names that start with J?
Yes, there are several famous people with last names that start with J. Some of them include the two POTUS Andrew Jackson and Thomas Jefferson, musicians and singers Michael Jackson and Mick Jagger, and actor Hugh Jackman.
2. Do last names that begin with J have any specific symbolism or symbolism in heraldry?
Last names beginning with every letter have a variety of symbolism in heraldry such as courage, bravery, arms, ties to nature (animals, plants), and strength, to name a few. For instance, Jessant has a heraldry symbol of an English lion eating the Fleur de lis and King John of England used a seal with two lions. Every last name starting with J may have different symbols and may be found with the family ancestors.
3. Do last names starting with J often have variations in spelling due to historical reasons or migrations?
Yes, many of the surnames starting with J change according to regional preferences and historical reasons. For example, John, an English surname, may be used as Jahn in Germany. Additionally, James is the Latinized version of Jacob, which was originally mentioned as Iocabus in the Bible. These are just a few examples of how migrations and historical changes affect a surname.
Last names starting with J are popular since quite a long time. Most of these names are rooted in Christianity and Judaism as they are linked with biblical figures such as Jacob, John, and James. Additionally, they are derived from ancient languages including Greek, Medieval English, Old French, Breton, and Arabic. There are endless options and many would surprise you with their meanings and origins.
Infographic: 8 Popular Last Names With J
Last names starting with J have always been in vogue, so much so that they have found their way into every language and culture. Whether you already have a surname that starts with J or want to dig into their details, this list is for you. Check the infographic below for the list of the most popular last names that start with J and their meanings.
Illustration: Momjunction Design Team
Key Pointers
- Last names that start with J are present in almost every culture.
- Many last names starting with J are derivatives of John or Jacob, both biblical names.
- Last names starting with J such as Jackson and Jefferson have gained popularity because of their association with famous people.
References
- Vasco Núñez de Balboa.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Vasco_Nunez_de_Balboa/ - Why Do We Have Surnames?
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/inspire-me/blog/blog-posts/norman-saxon-surname/ - St. Francis Xavier (1506-1552).
https://www.creighton.edu/sites/default/files/2022-01/32-Francis-Xavier.pdf - Julius Caesar.
https://www.worldhistory.org/Julius_Caesar/ - Andrew Jackson.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/andrew-jackson/ - South African Culture: Naming.
https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/south-african-culture/south-african-culture-naming - Thomas Jefferson.
https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/presidents/thomas-jefferson/ - Jupiter.
https://www.worldhistory.org/jupiter/ - Job.1.
https://quod.lib.umich.edu/cgi/k/kjv/kjv-idx?type=DIV1&byte=2079883
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