Jazzy Last Names That Start With J: With Meanings

Digging into your family history is an exciting journey. If you are on the hunt for last names that start with J, you have plenty of ground to cover. We gathered a diverse mix of popular favorites, rare finds, and exotic titles to help your search.

You will find origins, meanings, and interesting facts for every name on this list. With over 200 options included, there is a good chance you will spot your own surname or discover a new favorite. Sit back and relax, the best J surnames are just a scroll away.

71 Exotic Last Names That Start With J

These foreign last names that start with J are full of history and culture.

1. Jabara – This Arabic surname translates to “adherent to the doctrine of reincarnation.”
2. Jacaruso – A distinct Italian surname that translates to “lad boy.”
3. Jacobi – An edgy variation of Jacob, this Hebrew name means “supplanter.”
4. Jacobo – With Spanish and Hebrew roots, this means “to follow” or “supplanter.”
5. Jacobucci – An Italian spelling variation of Iacobucci, connected to the name Jacob.
6. Jacoby – A biblical option meaning “supplanter,” serving as a variation of Jacobi.
7. Jacquemin – A moniker for Jacques, this means “to follow after” in Hebrew and Latin.
8. Jacquez – This Basque surname connects to Jacob and means “supplanter.”
9. Jaeger – A German title meaning “hunter,” perfect for outdoorsy families.
10. Jafari – A Persian variation of Jafar meaning “small born” or “rivulet.”
11. Jager – One of the most recognizable German surnames, it means “hunter.”
12. Jagger – An English occupational name traditionally given to teamsters or men who owned horses.
13. Jaggi – Hailing from Germany, this means “He who Jehovah has favored with a son.”
14. Jagiello – A Polish surname meaning “from Jagiella.”
15. Jahraus – A Slavic variation of Jarausch meaning “strong” and “lush rank.”
16. Jaime – A Hispanic classic meaning “supplanter,” connected to the biblical James.
17. Jaimez – An exotic twist on Jaime, meaning “supplanter” in Spanish.
18. Jain – A spiritual Indian surname meaning “follower of Jina.”
19. Jalufka – This Czech name was historically a nickname for naive young men.
20. Jamison – A patronymic name meaning “son of James” in English and Scottish.
21. Jamroz – The Polish take on Ambrose, meaning “immortal” in Greek.
22. Jang – One of the most popular Korean surnames, meaning “archer.”
23. Jankovic – A standout name of Croatian and Slavic origin meaning “son of Janko.”
24. Jankowski – This Slavic habitational name means “from Jankowo.”
25. Jaques – The French version of James, pronounced “JAHKS,” meaning “supplanter.”
26. Jaquez – Shared by French and Spanish speakers, this means “supplanter” or “substitute.”
27. Jara – A rare Spanish habitational title meaning “from Jara” or “rockrose.”
28. Jaramillo – A Spanish name meaning “of the Jaramago tree.”
29. Jarrell – This German name means “spear ruler” and connects to Jerald.
30. Jasper – A Persian name meaning “treasurer” that doubles as a popular first name.
31. Jasso – An English topographical surname for someone living “near the sorghum tree.”
32. Jaunich – Pronounced “YAH-nihk,” this Slavic name means “kin of John.”
33. Jauregui – A Spanish architectural name meaning “palace,” “manor,” or “house.”
34. Javier – Hailing from Spain, this means “new house” and relates to Xavier.
35. Jaxon – An English name referring to sons of Jack, meaning “God is gracious.”
36. Jean – A French, English, and Chinese option meaning “from Genoa” or “God is gracious.”
37. Jeanbaptiste – A religious name honoring “John the Baptist,” Christ’s cousin.
38. Jeanson – A French patronymic surname meaning “God is gracious.”
39. Jeckyll – A respelling of Jekyll, this Celtic name means “generous lord.”
40. Jedynak – A Russian and Polish name meaning “only child.”
41. Jeffords – This Welsh and English name means “peaceful territory” or “strangers cross.”
42. Jekel – Derived from Yekl, a Yiddish moniker for Jacob meaning “heel.”
43. Jenks – An English patronymic name meaning “little John” or “son of John.”
44. Jennwein – A German option for kindhearted families, meaning “kind.”
45. Jeong – A Korean variation of Jung, simply meaning “young.”
46. Jereme – An English and Welsh spelling of Jeremy, meaning “God exalts.”
47. Jeremias – The Americanized form of Yirmiyahu, meaning “sent by God.”
48. Jermyn – A habitational surname found in England, France, and Ireland meaning “German.”
49. Jesus – A religious Greek and Spanish name meaning “God is salvation.”
50. Jethro – A Hebrew name meaning “excellence” or “preeminence.”
51. Jewett – A French variation of Judith, meaning “praised” in Hebrew.
52. Jex – A unique English surname meaning “Jacks.”
53. Jiang – A common Chinese name meaning “river,” sometimes a variation of Shang.
54. Jiao – This Chinese name means “anxious” or “scorched.”
55. Jimenez – A Spanish name meaning “son of Jimeno” or “son of Simon.”
56. Jimison – An English and Scottish variation of Jameson, meaning “son of James.”
57. Jindra – Derived from Jindrich, this Czech name means “home ruler.”
58. Jing – A versatile Chinese name meaning “bright,” “circumstance,” or “scenery.”
59. Jo – A short name meaning “castle” in Japanese or “good” in Hungarian.
60. Joachim – Derived from Yoyakim, this Hebrew name means “God has granted me a son.”
61. Jobe – An alternate spelling of Job, the Hebrew name meaning “persecuted.”
62. Jolivette – A cheerful French name that means “joyful.”
63. Jolly – An English, Scottish, and French name describing a pleasant disposition.
64. Jose – The Spanish equivalent of Joseph, meaning “God shall add.”
65. Joshi – An occupational Indian name traditionally given to astrologers or mystics.
66. Juan – The popular Spanish variation of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
67. Juarez – A Spanish patronymic surname meaning “son of Suero.”
68. Jubril – An Arabic name meaning “archangel,” referring to Gabriel.
69. Juby – Derived from the French word “jubee,” implying joy and jubilee.
70. Jung – A German name meaning “young.”
71. Jurado – A Spanish and Portuguese occupational name for a sworn official.

73 Popular Surnames Starting With J

These famous surnames starting with J appear frequently in phone books and credits alike.

1. Jablonski – A Polish name meaning “apple tree,” originally for orchard owners.
2. Jack – Short for John, this English name means “God is gracious.”
3. Jackel – A German form of Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”
4. Jackley – A German alternative to Jacob or Jaeckel.
5. Jacko – A Hebrew option connected to Jacob, meaning “supplanter.”
6. Jackson – An incredibly popular English name meaning “son of Jack.”
7. Jacobitz – A Yiddish patronymic name meaning “son of Jacob.”
8. Jacobsen – A Scandinavian name meaning “son of Jacob.”
9. Jacobson – The English respelling of Jacobsen, meaning “kin of Jacob.”
10. Jacobsson – Another variation meaning “son of Jacob.”
11. Jaffee – A rare spelling of Jaffe, meaning “beautiful” or “pleasant” in Hebrew.
12. Jagneaux – One of the distinct French surnames derived from Jean.
13. Jagusch – A simpler spelling of Jagusz, meaning “supplanter” in Polish and German.
14. Jahn – A Slavic alternative to John, meaning “God is gracious.”
15. Jahner – A German occupational name meaning “hunter.”
16. Jahnley – A Swiss and German name likely meaning “hunter.”
17. Jaimes – An Anglicized form of Jaimez, meaning “he will watch.”
18. Jakeman – A French name connected to Jacques, meaning “supplanter.”
19. Jakes – An English name meaning “supplanter,” borne by Bishop T.D. Jakes.
20. Jakeway – An Old English name meaning “Jack person,” originally for travelers.
21. Jalloh – An Arabic option derived from Diallo, meaning “bold” or “adventurous.”
22. James – A timeless English surname for the kin of men named James.
23. Jamieson – A Scottish spelling of Jamison, meaning “son of Jamie.”
24. Jamrog – A variation of Jamroz, meaning “ambrose” in Polish.
25. Jan – An English name connected to John, meaning “God is gracious.”
26. Janacek – A Czech derivative of John, meaning “God is gracious.”
27. Janas – A Polish derivative of Yehonasan, meaning “God has favored.”
28. Janda – A Hebrew-inspired name meaning “God is gracious.”
29. Jandl – A German and Polish variation of Janda.
30. Jandt – A German name derived from Johannes.
31. Janelle – An English derivative of Johannes meaning “God is gracious.”
32. Janeski – A Greek name meaning “from Janishki.”
33. Janet – A French first name turned surname meaning “God is gracious.”
34. Janey – A medieval English name meaning “son of Jahn.”
35. Janice – A Hebrew name meaning “gift of God.”
36. Janisse – A French name connected to Janice, meaning “God’s gift.”
37. Jansen – A Dutch and German equivalent of Johnson, meaning “son of Jahn.”
38. Javens – Derived from Evan, this Welsh name means “gracious gift of Jehovah.”
39. Javi – Short for Javier, this Spanish name means “the new home.”
40. Jax – An edgy, shortened variation of Jacob.
41. Jayson – An English name meaning “healer” or “son of Jay.”
42. Jean-Charles – A French compound name meaning “God is gracious” and “free man.”
43. Jeanfreau – A French and German name meaning “wild goose” and “peace.”
44. Jean-Jaque – A Hebrew and French combination meaning “God preserves.”
45. Jean-Pierre – A mix of John and Peter meaning “God is merciful.”
46. Jedlicka – A Czech habitational name for families living near fir trees.
47. Jee – An alternate spelling of the Korean name Chi, meaning “wisdom.”
48. Jeffers – An English patronymic name meaning “son of Jeffrey.”
49. Jeffery – A German name meaning “peace,” ideal for balanced families.
50. Jenkins – A Welsh name meaning “little John.”
51. Jenner – An English surname for engineers, made famous by Kylie Jenner.
52. Jenson – An English patronymic option meaning “son of Jen or John.”
53. Jeremiah – A biblical name meaning “God exalts.”
54. Jerome – A Greek name meaning “sacred name.”
55. Jessie – A moniker surname referring to kin of John or Jessica.
56. Jessing – A German topographical name meaning “small stream.”
57. Jeter – A German and French name meaning “thrown out” or “weeder.”
58. Jett – A French name connected to Judah, borne by rocker Joan Jett.
59. Joe – Short for Joseph, meaning “May God add.”
60. Joelson – An English patronymic name for sons of Joel.
61. Johnson – One of the most common names in the US, meaning “son of John.”
62. Johnston – A Scottish topographical title meaning “from John’s town.”
63. Johnstone – An English variation of Johnston.
64. Joiner – An English occupational name for woodworkers.
65. Jones – A top-ranking American surname meaning “son of John.”
66. Jorden – Inspired by the Hebrew Yarden, meaning “to flow down.”
67. Jorgensen – A Danish name meaning “son of Jorgen,” connected to George.
68. Jorgenson – The Danish respelling of Jorgensen.
69. Joseph – A Hebrew name meaning “may God add a son.”
70. Judd – A derivative of Jordan, borne by the famous Judd family.
71. Judson – An alternative to Jordan meaning “flowing down.”
72. Julian – A Latin and Greek name meaning “youthful.”
73. June – Derived from the French “jeune,” meaning “youthful.”

68 Unique Surnames Starting With J

These unusual surnames starting with J will grab anyone’s attention and stand out from the crowd.

1. Jaber – An Arabic occupational name for a “bone setter.”
2. Jabs – A punchy 4-letter option meaning “people” and “gift.”
3. Jackman – An English name for Jack’s servants, borne by Hugh Jackman.
4. Jacob – A biblically inspired surname meaning “to supplant.”
5. Jacobs – Derived from Jacob, meaning “supplanter” or “heel.”
6. Jacobsma – A Dutch variation of the name Jacob.
7. Jacock – An English derivative of Jacox meaning “son of John.”
8. Jacome – A Spanish patronymic name meaning “son of Jacob.”
9. Jadwin – A variation of Jaed, meaning “God’s gift” in English.
10. Jameson – A common name in English, Scottish, and Dutch for sons of James.
11. Jamgochian – An Armenian occupational name for bell ringers.
12. Janes – A variation of Johannes meaning “gracious gift of Jehovah.”
13. Janiak – A 6-letter Polish surname referring to “sons of Jan.”
14. Janikowski – A Polish habitational name meaning “from Janikow.”
15. Janish – A German variation of Janis, meaning “relative of Jan.”
16. Jank – Derived from Janos, the Hungarian spelling of John.
17. Janoff – A German respelling of Janow, meaning “the Lord is gracious.”
18. Janos – A Hungarian and Slavic form of John.
19. Janosko – A Slavic option inspired by Janos meaning “God is good.”
20. Janota – A Czech and Polish name meaning “relative of Jan.”
21. Janow – A Polish name meaning “from Janow.”
22. Jansma – A Dutch name referring to the Jan family lineage.
23. Janssen – A Dutch patronymic name meaning “son of Jan.”
24. Janulis – A Polish name connected to Jan.
25. Japhet – A Hebrew name meaning “enlarged” or “fair.”
26. Jaqua – A variation of Jacques meaning “he who supplants.”
27. Jaquette – A French name connected to Jacques.
28. Jarboe – A variation of Gerbaut, meaning “bold” and “spear.”
29. Jardine – Derived from the French word “jardin,” meaning “garden.”
30. Jarmer – Inspired by Jaromer, this German name means “lush rank.”
31. Jarmon – An English respelling of German.
32. Jarnot – An English occupational name for pomegranate sellers.
33. Jarreau – A French occupational name for jar makers.
34. Jarrett – A British name meaning “spear strong.”
35. Jarry – A French topographical name for “barren land.”
36. Jarvela – A Finnish name meaning “from the large lake.”
37. Jarvi – A Finnish and Estonian name for families living near lakes.
38. Jarvis – Derived from Gervase, meaning “spear.”
39. Jarzombeck – A Polish nickname surname meaning “grouse.”
40. Jarzynka – An occupational name for a vegetable gardener.
41. Jasinkski – A Polish habitational name meaning “from Jasien.”
42. Jaslow – A Yiddish name meaning “devout,” traditionally given to priests.
43. Jasmine – A Persian name meaning “gift from God” or the flower.
44. Jauquet – A French alternate spelling of Jacquet.
45. Jay – An English name referring to the blue jay bird.
46. Jeffcoat – An English name for sons or relatives of Jeff.
47. Jefferson – An English name meaning “son of Jeffrey,” borne by Thomas Jefferson.
48. Jeffries – A German name meaning “peace.”
49. Jennings – An English name meaning “little John.”
50. Jensen – A Danish name meaning “son of Jens.”
51. Jernigan – A British name meaning “son of Gernegan.”
52. Jessup – A Hebrew variation of Joseph meaning “God will increase.”
53. Jester – An English name that can refer to a comedian or a “Roman fort.”
54. Jeune – A French nickname for a young person.
55. Jewell – A Celtic name meaning “generous” or “bountiful.”
56. Jin – A Chinese name meaning “gold.”
57. Johansen – A Scandinavian patronymic name for sons of Johan.
58. Johanson – A variation of Johansen.
59. Johns – Inspired by the Hebrew Johanan, meaning “God is gracious.”
60. Johnsen – The Danish variation of Johnson.
61. Jolie – A French name meaning “joy,” made famous by Angelina Jolie.
62. Jonas – A Hebrew name meaning “dove.”
63. Jordan – A Hebrew name meaning “flow down,” referring to the river.
64. Joy – An English name meaning “happiness.”
65. Joyce – Derived from Josse, meaning “lord” in Irish and French.
66. Joyner – An English occupational name for furniture makers.
67. Judge – An English occupational name for judges.
68. Justice – An English and Scottish name meaning “uprightness.”

What Is the Most Common Last Name Starting With J?

In the United States, Jones, Johnson, and Jackson are the most popular surnames starting with J. Worldwide, Asian surnames like Jiang and Jin also rank very high due to population density in China.

What Are Some Hispanic Last Names That Start With J?

Common Hispanic surnames starting with J include Jimenez, Juarez, Jaramillo, and Jurado. Many of these are patronymic, meaning they originated from the father’s first name, such as Jimenez meaning “son of Jimeno.”

Are There Biblical Last Names Starting With J?

Yes, many J surnames have biblical roots. Examples include Joseph, Jacob, James, John, and their various derivatives like Jacobs, Jameson, and Johnson. These names often carry Hebrew origins and religious meanings like “God is gracious.”