Meaning, origin, history
Gaspard is a name of French origin, derived from the Gascon word "Gaspar," which means "treasurer" or "keeper of the treasure." It is believed to have been brought to France by the Visigoths, who were a group of Germanic tribes that invaded the Iberian Peninsula in the 5th century.
The name Gaspard has a long history and has been used by several notable figures throughout the years. One of the most famous bearers of this name was Saint Gaspar del Bufalo, an Italian priest who was born in 1786 and later became the founder of the Missionary Society of St. Gaspar del Bufalo. He is revered as a saint by the Catholic Church and his feast day is celebrated on December 6th.
Another notable figure with the name Gaspard was Gaspard de Coligny, a French Huguenot leader who played a significant role in the French Wars of Religion during the late 16th century. He was assassinated in the St. Bartholomew's Day massacre in 1572, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of French Protestants.
Today, Gaspard is still used as a given name and has gained popularity in recent years. According to some sources, it has been one of the fastest-growing boy names in France over the past decade. Despite its historic origins and association with notable figures, Gaspard remains a relatively uncommon name outside of France.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Gaspard since 1880
Total births
93
Total since 1880
Peak year
2018
14 births
in 2023
8
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+25%
↗
vs previous 5 years