Jasper is a unique and distinctive given name of Persian origin. It is derived from the Persian word "yasamin," which means "jasmine." The name was popularized in Europe during the Middle Ages by way of Persia, where it was often used as a boy's name. In many cultures, jasmine is considered a symbol of elegance, beauty, and grace, making Jasper an appealing choice for parents seeking a meaningful and unique name for their child.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Jasper. One such figure is Saint Jasper, who was a Christian martyr in the 7th century. He was beheaded during the persecution of Christians under Emperor Domitian, and his feast day is celebrated on November 12th. Another famous bearer of the name is Jasper Johns, an American painter known for his abstract expressions and pop art.
In literature, Jasper has appeared as a character in several works, including "The Count of Monte Cristo" by Alexandre Dumas and "Brideshead Revisited" by Evelyn Waugh. In both cases, Jasper is depicted as a charming and intelligent figure, further adding to the name's appeal.
Overall, Jasper is a striking and uncommon given name with a rich history and meaningful origins. Whether inspired by its Persian roots or drawn to its literary associations, parents who choose this name for their child are selecting a moniker that combines elegance and uniqueness.
The name Jasper has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States, with a total of 1,154 babies named Jasper between 1926 and 2023.
In the early years recorded (1926-1942), the number of births with the name Jasper was quite low, ranging from 5 to 6 births per year. However, beginning in the late 1970s, we start to see a gradual increase in popularity for the name.
The turning point seems to be around the mid-1980s, when the number of babies named Jasper began to steadily rise. In fact, between 1985 and 2023, there were only two years (1987 and 2010) where fewer than 10 babies were named Jasper.
The late 1990s and early 2000s saw a notable surge in popularity for the name, with over 20 births per year recorded from 1995 to 2004. This trend continued into the 2010s, with the number of babies named Jasper consistently increasing each year.
In recent years, Jasper has become one of the most popular boys' names in the United States. Between 2018 and 2023, there were over 70 births per year on average, with a peak of 83 births recorded in 2021.
This data shows that while the name Jasper may have had modest beginnings in terms of popularity, it has since grown to become a highly favored choice among parents in recent years.