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Jasper

♀ Girl

Pronounced JAS-per /ˈdʒæs.pər/High

Meaning: From Persian Kaspar, meaning 'treasurer' or 'master of the treasure house,' also associated with the semi-precious stone jasperMedium

In 30 seconds: A richly layered name meaning 'treasurer' from Persian, Jasper is also the name of a striking gemstone. Traditionally male, it is increasingly embraced as a cool, gemstone-inspired choice for girls.
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Origin MediumPersian, Greek
MeaningFrom Persian Kaspar, meaning 'treasurer' or 'master of the treasure house,' also associated with the semi-precious stone jasper
U.S. rank (2024)#3186 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births50 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2021
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,204

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202119262024

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

History & Origin

Jasper is the English form of Caspar (also Kaspar or Gaspar), which derives from the Persian ganzabara meaning 'treasurer' or 'keeper of the treasure.' The name was common in medieval Europe partly because of its legendary association with one of the Biblical Magi. The gemstone jasper — an opaque red, green, or yellow stone — takes its name from a related Greek and Latin tradition, though the two etymologies are sometimes conflated.

Jasper was used almost exclusively as a boy's name through the 19th and 20th centuries but began crossing to girls in the 21st century, driven by the gemstone-name trend. Names like Ruby, Jade, and Pearl had already established gemstone names as feminine, and Jasper followed this path. It is gaining use among parents drawn to its rich sound, artistic associations (Jasper Johns), and nature-mineral feel.

Did you know? Jasper is traditionally one of the names given to the Three Wise Men (Magi) in Western Christian tradition — though the Bible never names them, the names Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar were assigned in medieval legend, with Caspar (Jasper) thought to have brought frankincense.
Overall data confidence 80%
Behind the Name — Jasper — Persian Kaspar etymology and Magi traditionOxford Dictionary of First Names — Historical usage of Jasper/Caspar

Variations

CasparKasparGasparJesper

Nicknames

JasJazz

Famous Bearers

  • ★Jasper Johns (1930–present)
    American painter and printmaker, a central figure in Neo-Dada and Pop Art.

If you like Jasper…

Hunter
Ember— gemstone/mineral-adjacent nature name popular for girls
Jade— established feminine gemstone name sharing Jasper's mineral feel
Sterling

Browse the whole category: All Persian names →  ·  All Greek names →  ·  All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Jasper mean?

Jasper derives from Persian Kaspar meaning 'treasurer.' It is also the name of a semi-precious stone and is traditionally linked to one of the Three Wise Men.

How do you pronounce Jasper?

Jasper is pronounced JAS-per /ˈdʒæs.pər/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Jasper a boy or girl name?

Jasper is traditionally a boy's name but is increasingly used for girls in the 21st century, following the gemstone-name trend.

How popular is Jasper?

Jasper is a popular name for boys in the U.S. and growing as a girl's name. Its gemstone connection and artistic associations add to its appeal.