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Casper

♂ Boy

Pronounced KAS-per /ˈkæs.pər/High

Meaning: From Persian Gaspar or Gushnasaph, meaning treasurer or keeper of the treasury; one of the traditional names of the Three Wise Men (Magi) in Christian tradition, though these names do not appear in the New TestamentMedium

In 30 seconds: Casper is the English and Scandinavian form of Gaspar, the traditional name of one of the Three Wise Men, from Persian meaning treasurer or keeper of treasure, used across Scandinavia and northern Europe and equally known as the name of the Friendly Ghost.
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Origin MediumPersian, Aramaic
MeaningFrom Persian Gaspar or Gushnasaph, meaning treasurer or keeper of the treasury; one of the traditional names of the Three Wise Men (Magi) in Christian tradition, though these names do not appear in the New Testament
U.S. rank (2025)#924 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births255 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,206

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202418802025

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

History & Origin

Casper is the English and Scandinavian form of Gaspar (Spanish) or Kaspar (German), traditionally the name of one of the Three Magi (Wise Men) who visited the infant Jesus. These names are not in the Bible but were assigned by early Christian tradition; Gaspar is believed to derive from Persian or Aramaic, with proposed meanings including treasurer or keeper of treasure. The name entered European use through the widespread veneration of the Three Magi, whose supposed relics were transferred to Cologne Cathedral in the 12th century.

Casper has been a classic name in Scandinavia (particularly Sweden and the Netherlands) for centuries and is associated with several saints and kings of that region. In the English-speaking world it is best known through Casper the Friendly Ghost, a cartoon character created in the 1930s and 1940s who became a beloved children's icon. In the 21st century Casper is experiencing a revival as a name with ghostly whimsy, Scandinavian cool, and Christmas Magi heritage — a combination that appeals to parents who want something slightly eccentric and charming.

Did you know? The names of the Three Wise Men — Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar — appear nowhere in the New Testament; they were assigned by tradition centuries after the Gospels were written, with the names first appearing in a 6th-century Greek manuscript, reflecting later Christian legendary elaboration.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Casper — Persian etymology and Magi tradition

Variations

KasparGasparJasper

Nicknames

Cas

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If you like Casper…

Jasper— Persian-rooted boys name with a near-identical sound and the same Three Magi connection
Stellan— Scandinavian boys name with the same Nordic cool and growing English-speaking appeal
Soren— Scandinavian boys name with the same European classic character and understated elegance
Magnus— Scandinavian and Latin boys name with comparable Northern European heritage and strength

Frequently Asked

What does the name Casper mean?

Casper comes from Persian Gaspar, traditionally meaning treasurer or keeper of treasure.

How do you pronounce Casper?

It is said KAS-per — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Casper one of the Three Wise Men?

Caspar (Casper) is the traditional name given to one of the Three Magi in Christian tradition, though the names do not appear in the New Testament and were assigned centuries later.

Is Casper the same as Jasper?

They sound very similar and are related — both trace to the same Persian Gaspar root and both appear as Magi names — but Casper is the C/K form while Jasper is the J form.