Jasper is a masculine given name of Persian origin that means “treasurer”. For families exploring baby name origins and meanings, this distinguished choice combines an ancient heritage with an energetic, modern appeal.
With its warm cadence and antique flavor, the name fits comfortably alongside classic favorites while retaining a standout personality. It offers an easy balance of historical depth and everyday usability for boys born today.
The name combines soft sibilant tones with a crisp ending, giving it an approachable rhythm. Its gentle yet solid character makes it an enduring favorite among parents seeking an established name that feels stylish and unpretentious.
Meaning and Origin
Jasper is a masculine given name of Persian origin, defined as meaning “treasurer”. The designation is also recognized as a male given name from Old Persian, representing an individual associated with the keeping of treasure.
The name took shape through an ancient succession of regional tongues. It came from Biblical Hebrew גִּזְבָּר (gizbar), which developed ultimately from the Old Median form *ganǰabarah. Much later, Jasper served as a name given to one of the Magi in a medieval European cult.
Although the word shares an exact visual form and sound with the mineral, the etymology of the given name Jasper is unrelated to that of the gemstone jasper. The two words arose through separate lines of vocabulary and carry distinct origins.
Pronunciation
Jasper is pronounced JASS-per. The opening syllable rhymes with gas, mass, or pass, while the closing syllable rhymes with her or fur. Speakers place the emphasis on the first syllable, creating an open and direct sound.
Regional accents across North America pronounce the name consistently, with no silent letters or unexpected vowel shifts to complicate its delivery.
Popularity in the United States
The name Jasper first appears in 1880 and has seen 62,428 US boys given the name in total since 1880, being most often given to boys with about 2.0% were girls. By 1950, the name stood at rank #461 with 208 babies, before descending to rank #680 with 163 babies in 1980. A steady revival took root as the name climbed to rank #592 with 334 babies in 2000, followed by a dramatic jump to rank #285 with 1,184 babies in 2010. Parents continued to embrace the name over following years, pushing it to rank #138 with 2,640 babies in 2020. Jasper achieved its peak rank #122 in 2023, and it maintained strong standing at its latest rank #129 with 2,804 babies in 2025.
| Year | US rank (boys) | Babies named Jasper |
|---|---|---|
| 1950 | #461 | 208 |
| 1980 | #680 | 163 |
| 2000 | #592 | 334 |
| 2010 | #285 | 1,184 |
| 2020 | #138 | 2,640 |
| 2025 | #129 | 2,804 |
Source: US Social Security Administration baby name data (names given to at least 5 babies in a year).
Nicknames
Jasper lends itself to a variety of casual and charming short forms. Parents frequently use Jas, Jasp, Jay, Jazz, or Perry as informal choices for everyday conversation.
Each option brings a slightly different tone to the name. Jazz feels energetic and upbeat, Jas and Jasp offer quick single-syllable reductions, and Jay and Perry provide familiar, easy alternatives that carry well as a child grows.
Because Jasper is relatively brief, many families choose to use the full name without any abbreviation. However, the variety of available diminutives gives children and adults flexible options to match different personalities and settings.
Famous People Named Jasper
Several notable people have carried the name across different fields and eras:
- Jasper Johns: An acclaimed American painter, sculptor, and printmaker who became a central figure in modern pop art through his striking representations of flags, targets, and numbers.
- Jasper Fforde: A well-known British novelist celebrated for his comedic fantasy books and inventive mystery stories that blend literary satire with surreal worldbuilding.
- Jasper Tudor: A Welsh nobleman and Duke of Bedford who served as a prominent military and political leader throughout the Wars of the Roses.
Middle and Sibling Names
Middle names that flow naturally with Jasper include Alexander, James, Thomas, Benjamin, William, Henry, and Samuel.
Complementary sibling names include Felix, Silas, Oliver, Arthur, Beatrice, Clara, and Hazel.
FAQ
Which ancient root words led to the name Jasper?
Jasper originated from Biblical Hebrew גִּזְבָּר (gizbar), which traced back ultimately to the Old Median form *ganǰabarah. This linguistic line formed the masculine title long before it became a name given to one of the Magi in a medieval European cult.
How many American boys have been given the name Jasper in total?
A total of 62,428 US boys have received the name Jasper since 1880. The moniker has gone predominantly to male children over that entire span, while about 2.0% were girls.
How does Jasper’s peak year compare to its latest rank?
Jasper reached its peak rank #122 in 2023, which sits very close to its latest position of rank #129 in 2025. With 2,804 babies given the name in 2025, it continues to see strong usage that rivals its high point from 2023.
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