Jasper: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Jasper mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Persian: Keeper of treasure, treasure bearer
Greek: Spotting stone (type of quartz gemstones)

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Jasper is pronounced jas-per

The name Jasper has its origins as a gemstone name, referring to an opaque variety of quartz that comes in many colors. The name is derived from the Persian word yashp meaning keeper of treasure. It is also associated with the Greek word iaspis, which translates to "spotted stone." Jasper has enjoyed renewed popularity in recent years due to its classic yet distinctive sound and its rich history.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

North German: from a variant of the personal name Kaspar.

English (Devon and Cornwall): from the personal name Jasper, cognate with 1.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Brad Paisley

Don Johnson

Kimberly Williams

Jasper in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Jasper Hale from Twilight Saga - A vampire in the Cullen family with the ability to manipulate emotions.
Jasper Beardly from The Simpsons - A grizzled old man and friend of Abe Simpson in the town of Springfield.
Jasper Jordan from The 100 - A resourceful and loyal teenager who is part of the group of delinquents sent to Earth.
Jasper Badun from 101 Dalmatians - A bumbling henchman of Cruella de Vil.
Jasper Frost from The Royals - A cunning and loyal bodyguard with a mysterious past.

Popularity of the Name Jasper

According to Social Security Administration data, Jasper has seen a steady rise in popularity, ranking 122nd in the U.S. as recently as 2023.

Historically, the name Jasper has been associated with various notable figures and characters. For instance, Jasper Tudor was a key figure in the Wars of the Roses and the uncle of King Henry VII. Some notable namesakes include artist Jasper Johns, artist Jasper Francis Cropsey, whiskey brand founder Jasper Newton "Jack" Daniels, and novelist Jasper Fforde. In literature, Jasper is featured prominently in works such as Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, where Jasper Hale is one of the main vampire characters. The name has also appeared in film and television, with characters like Jasper Jordan in the popular series The 100. This blend of historical significance and modern cultural presence contributes to the enduring appeal of the name Jasper.