Jace

Healer, through Jason.

Jace is an English boys’ name used both as a short form of Jason and as a name in its own right. Its meaning, “healer,” comes through Jason’s Greek roots; the short spelling belongs to English usage. Someone named Jace need not have Jason as a longer official name. Say it to rhyme with face: the opening sound is the j of jump, and the ending is an unvoiced s. The final e adds no syllable. That single beat gives Jace a quick, neat finish, while the vowel leaves a little room in the middle. Compared with Jason, Jace feels more pared back and informal. It may appeal if you like the warmth of a short form but want to use that form every day. Its crisp ending also offers a pleasing contrast beside a longer, flowing second name.

Etymology: An English short form of Jason, whose Greek ancestor Iason is associated with healing.