Asher is a name of Hebrew origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly among English-speaking countries. It is derived from the Hebrew word "ashar" which means "happy" or "blessed." In the Old Testament of the Bible, Asher is one of the twelve sons of Jacob and the founder of the tribe of Asher.
The name Asher has a rich history and cultural significance in Jewish tradition. According to the story in Genesis, Asher was born to Jacob and his concubine Zilpah. He was known for being favored by his mother and blessed with good fortune throughout his life. This blessing is reflected in his name, which embodies the ideas of happiness and prosperity.
In addition to its biblical roots, the name Asher has also been popularized in recent years by celebrities who have chosen it for their children. For example, actress Busy Philipps named her daughter Cricket Ashlé, incorporating Asher into a unique spelling of the middle name Ashleigh.
Overall, Asher is a unique and meaningful name with a rich history and cultural significance. Its positive connotations of happiness and prosperity make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a name that embodies positivity and good fortune.
The name Asher has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, with a steady rise from the early 1900s to a peak in recent years. The first recorded birth of the name occurred in 1880 with six occurrences, and this number remained consistent until 1886 when it reached seven births. While there were fluctuations in popularity throughout the mid-20th century, with numbers ranging from five to fifteen births per year, Asher's prominence began to rise steadily in the late 1970s.
The turning point came in the early 1980s, with a significant increase in births each year. By 2005, over 1,100 babies were named Asher annually, and this number has continued to grow exponentially since then, reaching an all-time high of over 8,300 births in 2021. In total, there have been 95,485 recorded births with the name Asher from 1880 to 2023. This dramatic increase suggests that Asher has become a highly popular and sought-after baby boy's name in recent years.