Asa

♂ Boy

Pronounced AY-suh /ˈeɪ.sə/High

Meaning: From Hebrew 'asa' meaning healer or physician; name of the third king of Judah in the Hebrew Bible, known for religious reform; also possibly from the root meaning 'born at dawn'Medium

In 30 seconds: Asa is a gentle, two-syllable Hebrew name meaning 'healer.' Simple and ancient, it was borne by a righteous king of Judah and has become a quietly growing choice for boys who want something biblical but uncommon.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningFrom Hebrew 'asa' meaning healer or physician; name of the third king of Judah in the Hebrew Bible, known for religious reform; also possibly from the root meaning 'born at dawn'

U.S. rank (2025)#483 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births622 boys (0.03% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2022

Total births (all-time)≈ 21,156

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Asa comes from the Hebrew root asah, possibly meaning 'healer' or 'physician,' though the exact etymology is debated. In the Hebrew Bible, Asa was the third king of Judah (c. 910–869 BC), praised for reforming religious practice and leading Judah in faithfulness. The name was used in Puritan England as a biblical revival name.

Asa fell from common use after the Puritan era but has been quietly reviving in the 21st century as parents seek short, ancient, biblical names that are not overused. It now ranks in the U.S. top 300 boys' names, appreciated for its gentle sound and deep history.

Did you know? King Asa of Judah, who ruled for 41 years, is praised in the Hebrew Bible for destroying idols and restoring worship — one of the few kings described as doing 'what was right in the eyes of the Lord.' His reign is considered a model of religious reform.

Overall data confidence 85%

Behind the Name — Asa — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Asah

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Asa (king of Judah) (r. 910–869 BC)
Third king of Judah, ruled c. 910–869 BC, praised for religious reform in the Hebrew Bible
★Asa Butterfield (1997–present)
British actor known for Hugo and The Space Between Us

If you like Asa…

Eli— shares the two-syllable Hebrew biblical brevity and the same quiet, ancient dignity

Ezra— another short, underused biblical name in the same gentle revival tier

Abel— shares the short biblical Hebrew name tradition and the same understated appeal

Levi— another two-syllable Old Testament name with the same clean, modern-ancient feel

Frequently Asked

What does Asa mean?

Asa means 'healer' or 'physician' in Hebrew. It was borne by Asa, the third king of Judah, who is praised in the Hebrew Bible for his religious reforms.

How do you pronounce Asa?

Asa is pronounced AY-suh /ˈeɪ.sə/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Asa a popular boys' name?

Asa is growing in the U.S. and now ranks in the top 300 boys' names, part of the revival of short, ancient biblical names alongside Eli, Ezra, and Abel.

Is Asa from the Bible?

Yes. Asa was the third king of Judah, ruling for 41 years and praised in 1 Kings and 2 Chronicles for destroying idols and restoring true worship in Judah.