Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Jasper

Jasper is the English version of Caspar, the name assigned to one of the Magi bearing gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh to the baby Jesus after his birth (Caspar gave the frankincense). While the Three Wise Men’s names don’t actually appear in the Bible when the story is recounted [Matthew 2:1], it seems that they came about in medieval times based off a 5th century Greek manuscript and converted into a 9th century Latin text. The Three Kings (or Magi, Wise Men) were given the names Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar. Casper comes from a Persian word Gaspar for ‘treasurer, or treasure bringer’ which makes sense as the Magi brought Jesus gifts. Alternately, Jasper is an English word for the reddish gemstone, from the Greek “iaspis” (ultimately from the Persian yašp) meaning ‘spotted or freckled stone’. The gemstone jasper is symbolic for actors, as it supposedly gives one the courage to speak out loud. It is also said to bring confidence, boldness and assertiveness. The name Jasper came to England in the Middle Ages but it never caught on with any significant popularity. Interestingly, Jasper is on the Top 100 lists in the Netherlands (pronounced YAHS-pur), Belgium and Australia.

All About the Baby Name – Jasper

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME JASPER

Romance is the hallmark of the Six personality. They exude nurturing, loving, and caring energy. Sixes are in love with the idea of love in its idealized form - and with their magnetic personalities, they easily draw people toward them. Like the number Two personality, they seek balance and harmony in their life and the world at large. They are conscientious and service-oriented, and a champion for the underdog. These personalities naturally attract money and are usually surrounded by lovely material objects - but their human relationships are always primary. They thrive in giving back to others rather than being motivated by their own desires. This is when they achieve great things. Sixes are natural teachers, ministers and counselors.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME JASPER

This offbeat name with its quirky origins has been around and in use in America for longer than we would have realized, and with respectable usage to-boot! Although Jasper has been a traditional favorite in England and Australia, the United States has relegated Jasper to more moderate use. Never a Top 100 favorite in America, Jasper has nonetheless maintained a position on the boy’s naming charts for well over 100 years. This name becomes more interesting once you realize its etymology. First of all, it’s the name of one of the three WISE men (can’t go wrong by that, can you?) Secondly, it’s one of the few, if not only, names for boys after a gem stone. That’s pretty cool because little boys are precious too! Couple things to consider though: Jasper sounds a lot like Casper (as in the ghost) and it’s also not an altogether uncommon name for pets. Jasper is more “cute” than manly and masculine. We think “Jazz” is an excellent nickname name for Jasper, too. In any case, we think you would agree that Jasper is indeed a little “treasure”.

Quick Facts

ON JASPER

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

248

PRONUNCIATION:

JAS-per

SIMPLE MEANING:

Treasure bringer or Spotted stone

Characteristics

OF JASPER

Humanitarian

Community-minded

Family-oriented

Loving

Affectionate

Compassionate

Sensitive

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Jasper

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME JASPER

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME JASPER

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Jasper


Popular Songs

ON JASPER

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Jasper


Famous People

NAMED JASPER

Jasper "Jack" Daniel (whiskey maker)
Jasper Johns (artist)
Jasper Carrott (English comedian)
Jasper Fforde (British novelist)
Jasper Conran (English fashion designer)
Jasper Redd (American comedian)
Jasper Grosvenor (American businessman)
Jesper Parnevik (Swedish golfer)
Jasper Harvey (football player)

Children of Famous People

NAMED JASPER

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Jasper

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME JASPER

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Jasper