Casper

What does the baby name Casper mean? Learn about what Casper means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Casper - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Casper: C-A-S-P-E-R, is a 6-letter male given name.
Pronunciation of Casper: KAHS-pər; KAS pur
Meaning of Casper: Treasurer, king of the treasure, horseman, treasure master.
Origin of Casper: The name 'Casper' has a long and fascinating history. It can be traced back to various origins and has been used in different cultures throughout time. The earliest known use of the name 'Casper' can be found in ancient Persia, where it was derived from the name 'Gaspar' or 'Gathaspa', meaning 'treasurer' or 'keeper of treasure'. This name was associated with one of the three wise men or Magi who visited the baby Jesus in the Christian biblical story.; Danish Names; Dutch Names; German Names; Iranian Names; Norwegian Names; Persian Names; Swedish Names
Similar Names, Nicknames, & Spelling Variations of Casper: Caspar; Cass; Gaspar; Gaspard; Gasparo; Jasper; Kasper; Kaspir
Popularity of Casper: Over the centuries, the popularity of the name 'Casper' has fluctuated. In the early years, it was primarily used in European countries such as Germany and the Netherlands. However, it experienced a notable spike in usage during the 19th century, particularly in the United States. This surge in popularity can be attributed to the influence of the famous ghost character, 'Casper' the Friendly Ghost, created by Seymour Reit and Joe Oriolo in the 1930s.; Casper currently has 146 likes, and is in the top 3% of liked boy's names. The name Terry is slightly more popular than Casper.

Etymology of Casper

The etymology of the name 'Casper' is quite intriguing. It is derived from the Persian name 'Gaspar', which, in turn, has its roots in the ancient Sanskrit language. The Sanskrit word 'gathaspa' means 'bringer of treasure', reflecting the original meaning of the name. As the name traveled through different cultures and languages, it underwent various phonetic changes, eventually becoming 'Casper'.

Cultural Significance of Casper

The name 'Casper' holds cultural significance in several contexts. As mentioned earlier, it is associated with one of the three wise men or Magi in the Christian tradition. These Magi, often referred to as Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar, are believed to have brought gifts to the baby Jesus. 'Casper's inclusion in this biblical story has given the name a spiritual and symbolic meaning.

Additionally, 'Casper' has become an iconic name in popular culture. The friendly ghost character, 'Casper', has captured the hearts of many through comics, cartoons, and movies. This beloved character has contributed to the name's recognition and positive connotations.