Asher: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Asher mean and stand for?

Meaning:

Hebrew: Fortunate, blessed, happy one

Gender: Male

Syllables: 2

Pronunciation: The name Asher is pronounced ash-er

The name Asher is derived from the Hebrew word "אָשֵׁר" (Asher) meaning "happy" or "blessed". It's a name that dates back to biblical times, specifically found in the Old Testament as one of Jacob's twelve sons who later became the namesake of one of the Twelve Tribes of Israel.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

English (mainly Sussex and Hampshire): topographic name denoting someone dwelling by an ash tree, from the Middle English word asche "ash tree" + the habitational suffix -er.

Jewish: from the Hebrew personal name Asher "blessed."

American: Americanized spelling of German Ascher.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Jamie Anne Allman

Marshall Allman

Asher in Pop Culture

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

Asher Millstone from How to Get Away with Murder - Asher is a charming and witty law student with a complicated family background.
Asher Fleming from The Westing Game - Asher is a smart and competitive teenager involved in a mysterious inheritance game.
Asher Mir from Destiny 2 - Asher Mir is a Warlock who lost his Ghost and now studies the Vex on Io, despite his deteriorating health.
Asher Forrester from Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series - Asher is a strong-willed exiled prince fighting to save his family and reclaim his rightful place.
Asher Adams from Asher Adams Investigations - Asher is a brilliant private investigator known for his keen intellect and deductive skills.
Asher Flemming from Gilmore Girls - A Yale professor with a relationship to one of the main characters, Paris Geller.

Popularity of the Name Asher

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Asher has seen a significant rise in popularity over the years. It has climbed steadily in the rankings, breaking into the top 100 names for baby boys in the United States around 2014 and has continued to climb since then. Its allure lies not only in its modern sound but also in its rich historical and cultural significance.

Interesting to note, Asher is not just popular in the United States but has also seen varying levels of popularity around the world, indicative of its universal appeal. The name carries connotations of happiness and blessing, which may contribute to its selection by parents.

The name Asher holds historical significance with references to Asher in the Bible as one of Jacob's sons. In modern pop culture, the name Asher is associated with characters like Asher Millstone from How to Get Away with Murder, and other fictional characters appearing in titles like My Name is Asher Lev and Game of Thrones: A Telltale Games Series, adding a contemporary flair to its traditional roots. Notable people with the name Asher include actor Asher Angel and musician Asher Roth.