Rooted in ancient history and lore, the name carries the auspicious meaning of “bearer of treasure.” It is historically associated with the Three Wise Men of the Nativity, lending it a subtle biblical weight without feeling strictly religious.
Verdict: Jasper is an ideal choice for a baby born in 2025. It hits the “Goldilocks” spot of popularity: familiar enough that everyone can spell and pronounce it, yet distinct enough that your child likely won’t be one of three Jaspers in their kindergarten class. It is a stylish, timeless classic that ages beautifully.
Jasper Overview
- Meaning: Jasper means “bearer of treasure” and is believed to be unrelated to the gemstone of the same name.
- Gender: While Jasper is a traditionally masculine name, some women have this name as well.
- Origin: Jasper is of Persian origin and is likely derived from the word “ganzabara.”
- Pronunciation: Jasper is most commonly pronounced as “JAS-per.”
- Popularity: Jasper is a somewhat popular name for boys, but it is pretty rare for girls. In the United States, it ranked 138th for boys but did not place in the top 1000 names for girls.
- Nicknames: Jack, Jas, Jasp, Jay, Jazz, Jazzy, and Jess.
- Variations: Caspar, Casper, Gaspar, Gasperina, Jaspar, Jespa, Jesper.
- Namesakes: Jasper Carrott (British comedian and actor), Jasper Cillessen (Dutch soccer player), Jasper Johns (American painter and sculptor).
What Does Jasper Mean?
The name Jasper is widely accepted to mean “treasurer” or “bearer of treasure.” This definition comes from the Persian word ganzabara. This meaning gives the name a sense of value, prosperity, and responsibility.
There is often confusion regarding the name’s connection to the semi-precious stone. Etymologically, the word for the gemstone comes from the Semitic language (Hebrew yashpeh), which evolved into the Greek iaspis and the Old French jaspre. While the boy’s name and the stone have different linguistic roots (1), they have converged over centuries. Today, naming a child Jasper invokes both the image of the speckled, earthy quartz and the ancient keeper of riches.
Where Does the Name Jasper Come From?
Jasper is a name with Persian origins. It traveled through history, morphing into the Greek Iaspar and the Latin Gaspar or Caspar.
Its most famous historical association is Christian tradition, though the name does not appear explicitly in the Bible. Tradition identifies the “Three Wise Men” (Magi) who visited the infant Jesus as Melchior, Balthazar, and Gaspar (or Jasper). Because of this, the name has been in usage in the English-speaking world since the Middle Ages. It saw a massive surge in the Victorian era, which contributes to its current perception as a “vintage revival” name.
How Popular is the Name Jasper?
Jasper is a classic example of a “sleeping giant.” After being a staple in the late 19th century, it slowly fell out of favor, hitting its lowest point in the United States during the 1990s. However, the 21st century has seen a massive resurgence for this moniker.
According to Social Security Administration data, Jasper has been climbing the charts aggressively since the early 2000s (2). It has firmly established itself in the Top 150 boys’ names in the US. It is considered a “modern hit” that feels traditional. It is even more popular across the pond; in England and Wales, Jasper has long been a posh, upper-class staple.
While it is trending upward, it has not yet reached the saturation levels of names like Oliver or Theodore, making it a safe choice for parents seeking style without ubiquity.
How Do I Pronounce Jasper?
The standard pronunciation in English is JAS-pur.
In European variations, the “J” often softens to a “Y” sound (as in the German Jesper), or transforms into a hard “C” or “G” sound in variations like Casper or Gaspar. However, in the US and UK, the phonetic “J” is the rule.
Is Jasper a Boy or Girl Name?
Jasper is traditionally and overwhelmingly a masculine name. Its history with the Magi and its linguistic roots are male. However, the modern trend of using “nature names” for girls (like Willow, Ruby, or Jade) has led some parents to consider Jasper for daughters.
Despite this, it remains statistically rare for girls. Since 2000, it has not ranked in the top 1000 baby names for girls. If you encounter a female Jasper, she is a unique exception to the rule.
Variations of Jasper
Because this name has traveled through the ancient world to modern Europe, it wears many different masks.
Here are the most common international variations:
- Caspar (Dutch/German)
- Casper (Scandinavian/English)
- Gaspard (French)
- Gaspar (Spanish/Portuguese)
- Gacpero (Italian)
- Jesper (Danish/Scandinavian)
- Kacper (Polish)
Nicknames for Jasper
Jasper is a two-syllable name that rolls off the tongue easily, so it doesn’t strictly require a nickname. However, affectionate shortenings are always fun.
Common Nicknames:
- Jack
- Jas / Jazz
- Jay
- Jasp
Creative & Rare Nicknames:
- Perry: A clever twist derived from the second syllable.
- Jep: A vintage-style shortening that feels rugged.
- Jax: A modern spin on the “Jas” sound.
Names Similar to Jasper
If you love the vibe of Jasper but it isn’t quite “the one,” consider names that share its “vintage but cool” or “soft masculinity” aesthetic.
- Silas: Shares the soft “s” sound and the biblical/nature crossover appeal.
- Felix: Another “old man” name that has become incredibly chic and youthful.
- Milo: Short, sweet, and historically rich.
- James: A classic that shares the “J” and the soft ending.
- August: Shares the warm, seasonal, vintage feel.
- Joseph: A biblical alternative that offers the nickname “Joey.”
- Oscar: A similar “clunky-cool” vintage name.
- Jude: A shorter, slightly edgier alternative.
Middle Names for Jasper
Finding the right flow is essential. Because Jasper ends in a soft “er” sound, it pairs well with strong, one-syllable middle names or longer, vowel-heavy names.
Vintage & Intellectual
These pairings lean into the “British Literature” vibe of the name.
Short & Punchy
A single-syllable middle name grounds the floaty sound of Jasper.
- Jasper Jude
- Jasper Reid
- Jasper Hayes
- Jasper Flynn
- Jasper Quinn
Earthy & Adventurous
Since Jasper is also a stone, nature names complement it beautifully without feeling too “hippie.”
Sibling Names for Jasper
Building a sib-set requires balancing the distinct style of Jasper. You generally want names that are established and traditional, but not boring.
For a Brother
For a Sister
Famous People Named Jasper
The name has been worn by creatives, athletes, and comedians, proving its versatility.
- Jasper Johns: An iconic American painter and printmaker associated with the abstract expressionist movement.
- Jasper Fforde: A British novelist known for the literary mystery series The Thursday Next.
- Jasper Cillessen: A Dutch professional footballer who has played as a goalkeeper for the Netherlands national team.
- Jasper Carrott: A beloved British comedian and television personality.
- Jasper Conran: A prominent British fashion designer (OBE).
Jasper in Pop Culture
- Jasper Hale: Perhaps the most famous modern reference, he is the empathic vampire and brother to Edward Cullen in the Twilight saga.
- Jasper: One of the main antagonists (Horace and Jasper), the bumbling henchmen in Disney’s 101 Dalmatians.
- Jasper Sitwell: A S.H.I.E.L.D. agent appearing in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
- Jasper Jordan: A main character in the sci-fi TV series The 100.
- Jasper: A prominent antagonist gem in the animated series Steven Universe.
FAQs About the Name Jasper
Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about this storied name.
What Does Jasper Mean Biblically?
Those who enjoy names with biblical meanings will love the name Jasper.
In the Christian Book of Revelations, the apostle John uses several gemstones to describe what he sees in heaven. He compares God’s appearance to jasper and rubies (3).
So if you’re seeking a subtle biblical name, Jasper could be a very meaningful choice!
Does the Name Jasper Have Any Symbolic Associations?
Like many names, Jasper has links to specific colors, stones, and lucky numbers. Indigo is particularly connected to the name. Its most commonly associated gem is bloodstone. When that is opaque, it becomes known as Jasper.
Is Jasper a Pet Name?
If you’re looking for a name for your pet, Jasper could be a great choice. Two-syllable names are easy to call out and easy for a cat or dog to remember. And because this gemstone often comes in warm colors, it could be a fitting name for a pet with a red or orange appearance.
That said, Jasper isn’t primarily a pet name. So if you want to give this name to your child, you won’t need to worry about any pet name associations or confusion.
Is Jasper Considered a ‘Posh’ Name?
Yes, particularly in the United Kingdom. In Britain, Jasper has long been associated with the upper middle class and aristocracy. However, in the United States, it has shed much of that specific class association and is viewed more as a “vintage hipster” or “earthy academic” name, making it accessible to families from all walks of life.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of the Jasper Stone?
The jasper stone is known as the “Supreme Nurturer” in crystal healing circles. It is believed to sustain and support the bearer during times of stress, bringing tranquility and wholeness. It is also associated with grounding energy and protection, which adds a lovely layer of “protective” meaning to the name for a child.
Is the ‘Twilight’ Association Still Strong?
For a generation of parents who grew up reading the Twilight books (published mid-2000s), the name Jasper may initially trigger thoughts of the character Jasper Hale. However, as time passes, this pop-culture link is fading significantly. For a baby born in 2025, their peers will likely have no association with the vampire franchise, allowing the name to stand on its own merits.
Why Is Jasper Becoming Popular Again?
Jasper is benefiting from the “100-year rule” of baby names, where names from our great-grandparents’ generation sound fresh again, while names from our parents’ generation sound dated. Parents are also moving away from softer names like Noah and Liam toward names with “harder” consonants (like the ‘p’ in Jasper) that still feel gentlemanly.
What Astrology Sign Suits the Name Jasper?
Because of its earthy nature and connection to the jasper stone, the name is often associated with Virgo (an earth sign known for reliability) and Leo (due to the stone’s occasional association with the sun). However, the name is versatile enough to suit a child born under any star sign.
