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 in the United States. From 1880 to 1970, the number of babies named Asher fluctuated between 5 and 20 births per year. However, starting in 1973, there was a notable rise in the usage of this name, with 27 births recorded that year.
The popularity of the name Asher continued to grow throughout the 1970s and 1980s, reaching triple-digit numbers for the first time in 1985 with 94 births. This trend persisted into the 1990s, peaking at 247 births in 1998.
In the new millennium, Asher's popularity surged even further. Between 2000 and 2022, the number of babies named Asher increased exponentially, from 346 births in 2000 to a record-breaking 8400 births in 2022. This signifies that Asher has become one of the most popular names for newborn boys in recent years.
Overall, between 1880 and 2022, there have been a total of 95,485 babies named Asher born in the United States. This data illustrates how the name Asher has evolved in popularity over time, becoming an increasingly common choice among American parents.