Asa is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin, meaning "physician" or "healer." It is derived from the Hebrew word "asa," which translates to "to heal" or "to cure."
The name Asa first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, where it is borne by several characters. The most notable among them is King Asa of Judah, who ruled during the 9th century BCE and was known for his piety and reform efforts.
As a given name, Asa has been used throughout history but has gained significant popularity in recent years. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration, Asa has consistently ranked among the top 1000 names for newborn boys in the United States since 2015.
Despite its biblical origins and historical usage, the name Asa remains relatively uncommon compared to other names of Hebrew origin, such as David or Samuel. However, those who choose this name often appreciate its unique sound and meaning, as well as its connection to the rich cultural heritage of the Hebrew Bible.
The name Asa has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. According to the statistics provided, there were only 5 births with the name Asa in 1916, but this number steadily grew over time.
From the 1960s onwards, there was a notable rise in the usage of the name Asa. In 1963, there were 11 babies named Asa, and by 1978, this number had more than doubled to 16 births. The trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with peaks of 24 births in 1996 and 43 births in 2005.
The 21st century has seen an even greater surge in popularity for the name Asa. In 2017, there were 71 babies named Asa, which increased to 94 births in 2021. The latest data from 2023 shows that there have been 87 births with the name Asa so far this year.
In total, over the past century, there have been 1748 babies born in the United States named Asa. This demonstrates a consistent and growing trend in the popularity of this name among American parents.