Surname Jasper - Meaning and Origin

Discovering My Lineage at iGENEA: Uncovering the Historical Significance of Family Name Jasper

Embarking on a journey to unearth the historical roots of my surname, the DNA analysis experience at iGENEA presented a riveting glimpse into my ancestors' path. The surname Jasper, I discovered, was steeped in significant historical and geographical lineage – an understanding that has only strengthened my affinity for my heritage.

O. Jasper

Jasper: What does the surname Jasper mean?

The surname Jasper has historical roots in ancient cultures, originating from a famous gemstone known as 'jasper'. In Persian, the stone is known as 'yashpheh', while in Hebrew it is referred to as 'yashepheh'. Eventually, these names evolved into 'Jaspius' and then 'Jasper' in European languages. The stone was known for its medicinal and protective properties, and it was common for people to keep it close for good fortune. The name Jasper was initially given as a first name in honor of the Three Wise Kings in the Bible, one of whom was named Jasper. The surname could have been adopted by individuals or families who particularly admired or identified with the traits or story of the biblical king. It also could have been used to indicate the profession of a person who worked with jasper stone or a person who lived in a place where the jasper stone was common. Thus, the surname Jasper symbolizes protection, good fortune, and wisdom.

Jasper: Where does the name Jasper come from?

The surname Jasper primarily originates from various countries in Western Europe, particularly England, Germany, and the Netherlands. It is believed to have derived from the Persian name Gaspar, which evolved into Jasper in Western Europe. The name Jasper is also thought to come from the name of the three Magi (Wise men or Kings) in the Christian tradition, one of whom was called Gaspar or Jasper.

The surname Jasper is more prominent in the United States today and can be found in moderate numbers in England, Canada, and Australia. Although it originated in Europe, it's not very common there now, due to patterns of migration over the centuries, and changes in surname prevalence and customs.

In the United States, it is mostly found in the Southeastern states such as Georgia, Florida, and Alabama. That said, it's far from being one of the most common surnames in the US or elsewhere, so it's considered relatively unique worldwide.

Variations of the surname Jasper

The surname Jasper originated from the personal name Gaspard, which is of Persian origin. Some of the most common spellings and variants of Jasper include Caspar, Gaspar, Jaspar, Jaspers, Jesper, Jasperson, Jaspert, and Gaspard.

The different spellings often correspond with different regions or countries. For instance, Caspar is a common spelling in Germany, while Gaspar is common in Spain. Jesper is used frequently in Denmark and Sweden. In English-speaking countries, Jasper is most common.

As a surname, Jasper can also be transformed into a patronymic surname, indicating descent from a person named Jasper. Examples include Jaspers, Jespers, Jasperson, Jespersen, and Jaspersen.

It should be noted that there are also surnames that sound similar to Jasper but are of different origins, such as Jespersen (Scandinavian origin) or Gasper (an Italian surname), and they are not considered variants of Jasper. Each variation of a surname often has unique historical and geographical influences and they should be considered separately in genealogical research.

Famous people with the name Jasper

• Spike Jasper: Australian sound engineer
• Nick Jasper: American singer-songwriter
• Gary Jasper: British actor
• Joe Jasper: an artist and write from the United States
• Raimund Jasper: German singer-songwriter
• T.B. Jasper: British writer
• Rosemary Jasper: British actress
• Eddy Jasper: Dutch athlete
• Freddie Jasper: British film actor
• Kim Jasper: American film producer
• Kurt Jasper: American conservationist
• Dick Jasper: American race horse trainer
• Michele Jasper: Canadian poet
• Subhash Chandra Jasper: Indian social and political commentator
• Alan Jasper: British actor
• Alfred Jasper: British fashion photographer
• Valerie Jasper: British businesswoman
• John Walter Jasper: American congressman
• Mary Jasper: American poet
• Louis Jasper: American biologist and professor

Other surnames

JaspermöllerJaspersJaspersenJaspert