Asher Name Meaning: History, Pronunciation & Nicknames

Asher as a name has been around for over 3,000 years, but it has only recently become popular. Find out what it means, where it came from, and the answers to many more questions you might have about the name.

What Does Asher Mean?

The name Asher has several meanings that are derived from three different cultures: Old English, Germanic, and Jewish. In all three cultures, Asher is used as a given name and a surname.

In Hebrew, Asher means “most blessed of sons,” “happy one,” or “fortunate.”

In both Old English and Germanic, the name was used to denote the occupation of the person as an “ash maker.” The Old English meaning could also literally indicate where the person lives, as in near an ash tree or ash grove.

What Is the Origin of the Name Asher?

In the Jewish tradition, Asher was the eighth of the 12 sons of Israel, the second son born to him by Leah’s maid Zilpah. As a result, the name of one of the 12 tribes of Israel was Asher ⁽¹⁾.

Moses blessed the children of Israel before they entered the Promised Land. His blessing for Asher appealed that he might have sons, impress his brothers, and have his foot dipped in olive oil.

According to Jewish history, the land of Asher was very rich in resources and some of the best and most luxurious foods for the king’s table. “Ashar,” a variation of the name Asher, is also a place in Israel.

For both Old English and Germanic languages, Asher was a surname that suggested or hinted at the occupation or residence of the individual. In both cultures, Asher and variations could have meant a person who makes an ash or the ash man.

How Popular Is the Name Asher?

The name Asher is currently ranked number 35 in the United States for boys’ names and is increasing in popularity. It ranked as high as five in recent years. In other places around the world, Asher is a popular name in Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

It is also increasingly used as a girl’s name. Asher is currently ranked number 2031 in the United States. As early as 1975. Asher registered as a girl’s name with at least eight little bundles receiving that name that year ⁽²⁾.

How Do I Pronounce Asher?

Asher is pronounced “ASH-er,” with the emphasis on the first syllable.

Is Asher a Boy or Girl Name?

Asher is traditionally a boy’s name. It did not seem to gain traction as a girl’s name until approximately 2008 and has seen a steady climb in popularity since.

Variations of Asher

Over the centuries, the name Asher has developed a few recognized variations in spelling. These are the most common:

• Ascher
• Asha
• Ashar
• Ashor
• Axsher

Nicknames for Asher

Asher nicknames are usually rhymes or abbreviations of the name:

• Ash
• Ashy
• Ash McDash
• Asher Smasher
• Smasher

Similar Names to Asher

There are quite a few names that are similar to Asher. These names are closely related to the sound and meaning:

• Ash
• Ascha
• Aschach
• Aschau
• Ashbel
• Ashe
• Ashton

Middle Names for Asher

Asher is a versatile name that can combine well with any other name. Here are just some of the many options you can pair Asher with:

• Alexander
• Beau
• Blake
• Elijah
• Flynn
• Gideon
• Gray
• Heath
• James
• Jonathan
• Jude
• Kenton
• Laine
• Luke
• Micah
• Noah
• Scott
• Thomas
• William
• Zane

Sibling Names for Asher

Asher is an easy-going name that plays well with others. If your little Asher has siblings, their names will blend well with the following:

For a brother:

• Archer
• Carter
• Evan
• Grayson
• Hudson
• Levi
• Noah
• Oliver
• Sawyer

For a sister:

• Audrey
• Audry
• Autumn
• Ava
• Emma

Gender-Neutral

• August
• Aubrey
• Aubry

Famous People Named Asher

There are plenty of famous people named Asher who have left their mark on history. These prominent namesakes include:

• Asher: Appeared in the Hebrew Bible.
• Asher ben Jehiel: Rabbi and respected Talmudist.
• Asher Robbins: An American senator from Rhode Island.
• Asher Benjamin: An American architect.
• Asher Brown Durand: An American painter
• Asher Asher: The first Scottish Jewish doctor.
• Asher Hirsch Ginsberg: Distinguished Hebrew essayist.
• Asher Peres: An Israeli physicist.
• Asher Tishler: An Israeli economist.
• Asher Keddie: An Australian actress.
• Asher Angel: An American actor.

Asher in Popular Culture

Surprisingly, considering famous people with the name, Asher does not seem to appear often in popular culture. These three examples are most noteworthy.

• Asher Lev: Character in Chaim Potok’s novel “My Name Is Asher Lev.”
• Asher Levi: Regular character in the long-running British soap “Eastenders.”
• Asher Hornsby: Recurring character in the television show “Gossip Girl.”
• Asher Millstone: Entertaining character in the popular TV drama “How to Get Away With Murder.”
• Asher Wolke: A recurring character in the TV series “The Good Doctor.”

Asher FAQs

Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about Asher.