Asher Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: ASH-er /ˈæʃər/
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Blessed; happy
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Asher has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "osher," which means "happiness" or "blessedness." In the context of biblical history, Asher is one of the twelve sons of Jacob, as recorded in the Book of Genesis. The name appears in Hebrew as אָשֵׁר, and it was transliterated into Greek as "Asher" (Ἀσὴρ) and later into Latin, maintaining its form as it transitioned into Old French and ultimately into English.
This linguistic journey highlights the name's enduring presence across cultures and languages, particularly within Judeo-Christian traditions. Historically, Asher is significant as one of the tribes of Israel, specifically the tribe associated with prosperity and abundance.
The blessings of Jacob, found in Genesis 49, mention Asher as one who will yield rich food and provide delicacies fit for a king. This biblical reference has contributed to the name's positive connotations throughout history.
Additionally, Asher appears in various historical texts and translations, including the Septuagint and the Vulgate, which helped disseminate the name further into Christian contexts. Culturally, Asher has resonated through various traditions, symbolizing joy and prosperity.
In Jewish tradition, the name is often associated with the concept of happiness and good fortune, reflecting the blessings attributed to the tribe of Asher. The name has also been embraced in various forms, with diminutives like Ash being informally used.
The enduring legacy of Asher in religious texts and its positive meanings have allowed it to maintain a significant place in cultural and historical narratives.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Asher was first seen in the United States in 1880. Asher has ranked as high as #30 nationally, which occurred in 2022, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Georgia. In the past 5 years the name Asher has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Asher (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 693 | |
| CA | 621 | |
| FL | 574 | |
| NY | 417 | |
| PA | 329 | |
| GA | 326 | |
| OH | 323 | |
| NC | 314 | |
| TN | 268 | |
| IN | 239 | |
| MI | 230 | |
| VA | 212 | |
| IL | 211 | |
| MO | 190 | |
| AL | 173 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880 | 6 |
| 1881 | 6 |
| 1885 | 6 |
| 1886 | 7 |
| 1887 | 6 |
| 1890 | 5 |
| 1895 | 6 |
| 1910 | 5 |
| 1913 | 7 |
| 1914 | 12 |
| 1915 | 17 |
| 1916 | 16 |
| 1917 | 15 |
| 1918 | 15 |
| 1919 | 21 |
| 1920 | 16 |
| 1921 | 17 |
| 1922 | 24 |
| 1923 | 14 |
| 1924 | 16 |
| 1925 | 15 |
| 1926 | 15 |
| 1927 | 16 |
| 1928 | 9 |
| 1929 | 10 |
| 1930 | 6 |
| 1931 | 7 |
| 1932 | 18 |
| 1933 | 10 |
| 1934 | 14 |
| 1935 | 10 |
| 1936 | 15 |
| 1937 | 13 |
| 1938 | 11 |
| 1939 | 10 |
| 1940 | 13 |
| 1941 | 6 |
| 1942 | 10 |
| 1943 | 14 |
| 1944 | 13 |
| 1945 | 10 |
| 1946 | 7 |
| 1947 | 7 |
| 1948 | 9 |
| 1949 | 14 |
| 1950 | 7 |
| 1951 | 12 |
| 1952 | 8 |
| 1953 | 11 |
| 1954 | 11 |
| 1955 | 5 |
| 1956 | 11 |
| 1957 | 10 |
| 1958 | 9 |
| 1959 | 16 |
| 1960 | 12 |
| 1961 | 11 |
| 1962 | 9 |
| 1963 | 8 |
| 1964 | 15 |
| 1965 | 7 |
| 1966 | 14 |
| 1967 | 17 |
| 1968 | 16 |
| 1969 | 12 |
| 1970 | 16 |
| 1971 | 14 |
| 1972 | 20 |
| 1973 | 27 |
| 1974 | 24 |
| 1975 | 35 |
| 1976 | 34 |
| 1977 | 42 |
| 1978 | 47 |
| 1979 | 56 |
| 1980 | 66 |
| 1981 | 76 |
| 1982 | 67 |
| 1983 | 90 |
| 1984 | 72 |
| 1985 | 94 |
| 1986 | 84 |
| 1987 | 88 |
| 1988 | 72 |
| 1989 | 78 |
| 1990 | 95 |
| 1991 | 105 |
| 1992 | 125 |
| 1993 | 129 |
| 1994 | 149 |
| 1995 | 142 |
| 1996 | 188 |
| 1997 | 213 |
| 1998 | 247 |
| 1999 | 312 |
| 2000 | 346 |
| 2001 | 415 |
| 2002 | 478 |
| 2003 | 626 |
| 2004 | 895 |
| 2005 | 1,156 |
| 2006 | 1,369 |
| 2007 | 1,580 |
| 2008 | 1,905 |
| 2009 | 2,354 |
| 2010 | 2,860 |
| 2011 | 3,419 |
| 2012 | 3,560 |
| 2013 | 3,720 |
| 2014 | 4,333 |
| 2015 | 5,136 |
| 2016 | 5,525 |
| 2017 | 6,058 |
| 2018 | 6,878 |
| 2019 | 7,056 |
| 2020 | 7,695 |
| 2021 | 8,363 |
| 2022 | 8,410 |
| 2023 | 7,891 |
| 2024 | 8,123 |