Asher is a Hebrew name meaning “happy” and “blessed.” It’s derived from the Hebrew word osher, meaning “happiness.” Asher is also a biblical name from the Old Testament. While it used to be reserved for boys, it is now considered a fun, gender-neutral option.
How Popular Is the Name Asher?
The name Asher didn’t appear on the radar until 1983 when it broke into the top 1,000 names in the U.S. It slowly but surely made its way up the list, making it to the top 100 in 2014. In 2019 it ranked No. 43, and in 2020—its most popular year—it claimed the No. 32 spot in the United States. In 2007, the popular TV show “Gossip Girl” featured a recurring character named Asher. In 2014, the TV drama “How to Get Away With Murder” introduced viewers to the entitled yet still-likable Asher Millstone, which undoubtedly increased the name’s popularity throughout its six seasons. Given Asher’s ranking leap since the 1980s, we can most likely expect to see it become a more common gender-neutral option in the United States.
Name Variations
Some of the name variations for Asher include:
Ashar (Hebrew)Ashbel (Hebrew)Ashe (Old English)Ashor (Hebrew)
Similar Names
Other popular names for those who like Asher:
AshtonCarterGraysonHudsonLandonLeviLiamNoahOwenSawyerWyatt
Other gender-neutral names starting with A:
Adrian Aiden Alex Aspen Aubrey Avery
Common Nicknames
The most common nicknames for Asher include:
Ash: A simple yet strong nickname perfect for little ones with fun, outgoing personalities. Ash suggests someone artistic, confident, and admirable.Ashy: Suggests a playful, inquisitive personality. Ashy is lovable, friendly, and happy.
Suggested Sibling Names
Here are some sibling name options that pair well with Asher:
ArcherAudreyAugustAutumnAvaEmmaEvanOliver
Famous People Named Asher
Asher has been the name of a few famous people and fictional characters over the years.
Famous Ashers
Asher Angel, American child actor best known for the Disney Channel series “Andi Mack"Asher Benjamin, American architect born in 1773 who deeply influenced the way cities and towns look in New EnglandAsher Brown Durand, American painter and one of the founders of the Hudson River School of Landscape PaintingAsher Roth, American rapper known for his debut single “I Love College”
Fictional Ashers
Asher Millstone, the entitled, yet hilarious classmate in the popular TV drama “How to Get Away With Murder"Asher Lev, the protagonist in Chaim Potok’s novel “My Name Is Asher Lev"Asher Hornsby, a recurring character on the TV series, “Gossip Girl”
Top 1,000 Baby Boy Names in the U.S. 100 Gender-Neutral Baby Names 50 Hebrew Baby Names
