Jas.

Writing & Everyday abbreviation · Given Name

Jas. stands for James, a given name abbreviation also used in religion.

Stands in for James throughout old letters, wills, census returns and signatures. It is one of the most frequent name abbreviations in 18th- and 19th-century English, Scottish and American records.

Example: Witnesses to the will were Jas. Allen and Robt. Gray, both of this parish.

Usage notes

The Latin form Jacobus, used in parish registers, explains why supporters of the exiled James II were called Jacobites. Genealogists should not confuse Jas. with Jos. (Joseph), since a and o look alike in hurried handwriting. In Bible citations, Jas. refers to the Epistle of James.

Related abbreviations

More given name abbreviations

• Danl. – Daniel
• Edw. – Edward
• Eliz. – Elizabeth
• Fredk. – Frederick
• Geo. – George
• Hy. – Henry
• Jno. – John
• Jos. – Joseph
• Margt. – Margaret
• Nathl. – Nathaniel
• Richd. – Richard
• Robt. – Robert

See all 19 given name abbreviations →

Edited by the AbbreviationList.com team. Spotted an error or a missing meaning? Contact us.