Jasper is a name that has been around for centuries and has a rich history. The name is of Persian origin and means “bringer of treasure.” It is a name that has been used in various cultures, including English and Dutch. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of the name Jasper, as well as its popularity and variations.
Jasper is a name that has been used for both boys and girls, but it is primarily a masculine name. It has biblical and fictional character associations, and it has been used as a surname as well. The name has been popular in English-speaking countries for many years and has even gained popularity in recent years. We will delve into the reasons for its popularity and explore famous people who bear the name.
Key Takeaways
- Jasper is a name of Persian origin that means “bringer of treasure.”
- The name has been popular in English-speaking countries for many years and has gained popularity in recent years.
- Famous people who bear the name include Jasper Johns, Jasper Carrott, and Jasper Fforde.
Jasper Name Origin
Jasper is a name with a rich and fascinating history. The name is derived from the Latin name Gaspar, which was a name given to one of the three wise men who visited the baby Jesus in the Bible. The name Gaspar is believed to have been derived from the Persian name “Ganzabara,” which means “treasurer” or “keeper of the treasure.”
Jasper has been used as a personal name for centuries, and it has been a popular name in many different cultures. In English-speaking countries, the name Jasper has been in use since the Middle Ages. In Dutch, the name is pronounced as “YAHS-pər,” while in English it is pronounced as “JAS-pər.”
The name Jasper has also been associated with the gemstone of the same name. The gemstone Jasper is a type of quartz that comes in a variety of colors, including red, green, yellow, and brown. In ancient times, the gemstone was believed to have healing properties, and it was often used in amulets and other forms of jewelry.
Overall, the name Jasper is a unique and meaningful name with a rich history and cultural significance. Whether you choose to name your child Jasper because of its biblical origins or because of its association with the gemstone, it is a name that is sure to stand out and make a lasting impression.
Meaning of Jasper
Jasper is a name of Persian origin, derived from the word “ganzabara,” which means “bearer of treasure.” The name is believed to be unrelated to the gemstone of the same name.
Jasper is a traditionally masculine name, but it has also been used for some women. The name has occasionally been used in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages.
In the Bible, Jasper is one of the twelve gems that adorn the foundation of the walls of the New Jerusalem. It is also the name of one of the wise men (also known as the Magi or three kings) who visited the newborn Jesus.
Jasper is a popular name in many countries, including the United States, Canada, England, and Australia. It has been used in various forms, such as Caspar, Kaspar, Kasper, Gasparo, Jesper, Jespa, and Kacper.
Overall, Jasper is a strong and classic name that has stood the test of time. Its meaning of “bearer of treasure” makes it a great choice for parents who want to give their child a name that signifies wealth and prosperity.
Popularity of the Name Jasper
Jasper is a popular name for boys, ranking #128 in the US Top 1000 names. It has been steadily increasing in popularity over the past decade, with more parents choosing this name for their baby boys.
According to the Social Security Administration, Jasper was given to 2,857 baby boys in 2020, making it the 128th most popular name for boys in the United States. This is a significant increase from 2010, when it was given to only 1,342 baby boys and ranked #386 on the list.
Jasper is not as commonly used for baby girls, as it did not place in the top 1000 names in the United States. However, it is still a unique and charming name for a baby girl.
Overall, Jasper is a timeless and classic name that has been growing in popularity in recent years. Its popularity is likely due to its literary and historical associations, as well as its simple and elegant sound.
Famous People Named Jasper
Jasper is a name that has been used throughout history and has been given to many notable individuals. Here are just a few famous people named Jasper:
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Jasper Johns: Jasper Johns is a renowned American artist known for his contributions to the Pop Art movement. Born in 1930, he is famous for his paintings of American flags and targets.
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Jasper Carrott: Jasper Carrott is a British comedian and actor who rose to fame in the 1970s. He has won numerous awards for his work, including a BAFTA for his television series “The Jasper Carrott Trial”.
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Jasper Fforde: Jasper Fforde is a British novelist known for his books in the genres of fantasy and science fiction. He is the author of the popular “Thursday Next” series, as well as the “Nursery Crime” series.
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Jasper Cillessen: Jasper Cillessen is a Dutch soccer player who plays as a goalkeeper for Valencia and the Netherlands national team. He has won several titles, including the Dutch Eredivisie and the Copa del Rey.
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Jasper Tudor: Jasper Tudor was a 15th-century English nobleman and military commander. He played a significant role in the Wars of the Roses and was the uncle of King Henry VII of England.
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Jasper Redd: Jasper Redd is an American comedian and actor known for his appearances on Comedy Central and Late Night with Conan O’Brien.
These are just a few examples of the many famous people named Jasper. The name has been used in various fields, including art, entertainment, sports, and politics.
Variations of Jasper
Jasper is a name that has been around for centuries and has been used in various cultures around the world. Although it is a name with a rich history, there are not many variations of Jasper. However, there are some international variations and nicknames that are worth mentioning.
International Variations
Jasper is a name that has been adapted in various ways in different cultures around the world. Here are some of the most popular international variations of Jasper:
| Variation | Language | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Gaspar | Spanish | Treasure bearer |
| Casper | Dutch | Treasurer |
| Kasper | Polish | Treasure keeper |
| Gaspard | French | Treasure guardian |
| Jaspar | German | Treasure holder |
Nicknames for Jasper
Jasper is a name that is not often shortened, but there are a few nicknames that are commonly used. Here are some of the most popular nicknames for Jasper:
- Jasp
- Jazz
- Jazzy
- Jay
- Jase
It’s worth noting that some people who are named Jasper may prefer not to use a nickname at all.
In conclusion, although there are not many variations of Jasper, there are still some international variations and nicknames that are worth knowing. Whether you prefer the full name or a shortened version, Jasper is a strong and timeless name that will never go out of style.
Jasper in Literature and Pop Culture
Jasper is a name that has been featured in various works of literature and pop culture. Here are some notable mentions:
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Literature: In the novel “The Twilight Saga” by Stephenie Meyer, Jasper Hale is a vampire who has the power to manipulate emotions. He is a member of the Cullen family and is portrayed as a quiet and reserved character. In the classic novel “The Red Badge of Courage” by Stephen Crane, Jasper is the name of one of the soldiers in the Union army.
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Movies and TV Shows: Jasper has appeared in several movies and TV shows, including “The Simpsons”, “Breaking Bad”, and “The 100”. In “The Simpsons”, Jasper Beardly is a recurring character who is often seen as a senior citizen. In “Breaking Bad”, Jasper is the name of a minor character who works at a junkyard. In “The 100”, Jasper Jordan is one of the main characters and is portrayed as a witty and sarcastic teenager.
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Music: Jasper has also been referenced in several songs. In the song “Jasper” by The Unicorns, the lyrics describe a character named Jasper who is “a little bit of everything”. In the song “Jasper” by PVRIS, the lyrics describe a person named Jasper who is “a ghost in the night”.
Overall, the name Jasper has made its mark in various forms of media, and its popularity is likely to continue in the future.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the name Jasper has a rich history and meaning. Its Persian origin, meaning “bringer of treasure,” makes it a strong and meaningful name choice for a baby boy.
Jasper is also the name of a beautiful and unique gemstone, known for its spotted or speckled appearance. This gemstone is believed to have a grounding and stabilizing effect on the body and mind, making it a popular choice for jewelry and crystal healing practices.
Overall, whether you choose the name Jasper for its meaning or its association with the gemstone, it is a beautiful and timeless choice. With its strong and positive connotations, it is sure to bring joy and success to any child who bears the name.