Ace \a-ce\ as a boy's name is pronounced ayce. It is of English origin, and the meaning of Ace is "number one, the best". A nickname given to one who excels. Also an English surname meaning "noble". Connotations of superiority come from the fact that ace is the playing card with highest face value. This may derive from the Latin "as", the name of a coin of low value. The term "flying ace" goes back to World War I when planes were both novel and hazardous.