Surname Gasper - Meaning and Origin
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Gasper: What does the surname Gasper mean?
The last name Gasper is derived from the given name Gaspar or Caspar, which is of Persian origin. It means "treasurer". The name is linked to the Biblical story of the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus at his birth, with Caspar, also spelled Gaspar, traditionally considered one of them. Therefore, the surname also has religious significance. The name is common in several European countries, including France, Italy, and Spain, and has numerous variants. It spread throughout these territories primarily due to the popularity of the biblical Magi in the Middle Ages. People bearing this surname may be of diverse ethnic origin but share a common ancestral link, either by blood, marriage, or adoption, to an individual with this name. It should be noted that surnames often went through many spelling modifications over time and across different geographical regions, accordingly many variations of Gasper exist. The surname, like most, was inherited down through generations of male lineage.
Order DNA origin analysisGasper: Where does the name Gasper come from?
The surname Gasper is believed to have originated from the Biblical name Caspar or Gaspar, one of the Three Wise Men or Magi who visited the infant Jesus Christ. The name is of Persian origin and means "treasurer" or "keeper of treasure". Over time, Caspar evolved into different forms such as Jasper, Gaspar, and Gasper in various cultures.
Gasper as a last name found its place in different regions of Europe, mainly in England, France, and parts of Central Europe. It was often given to people entrusted with the financial affairs of a king, ruler, or some significant institution.
Today, the Gasper surname is spread across many parts of the world including the United States, England, and France and is also found in the regions of Central Europe, including Slovenia, Croatia, and the Czech Republic. However, it is not overwhelmingly common in any specific region, suggesting the migration and dispersal of individuals or families carrying the surname over time.
Variations of the surname Gasper
Spellings and variants of the surname Gasper might include Gaspar, Gaspard, Gaspare, Gasparrini, Gasperini, Gasperi, Gaspert, and Gasperetti. This surname, of Italian origin, is derived from the personal name "Gaspare," which in turn is derived from the name "Jasper."
In other languages, the name variants include: Casper, Kasper, Kaspar, and Jaspar in German; Caspar, Casper, Caspari in Dutch; Gaspar in Spanish and Portuguese, Gaspardo in Spanish; and Gaspard in French.
In some regions, it was also common to add the suffix "-i," "-ini," or "-etti" to family names, representing "son of," thus forming variations like Gasperi, Gasperini, and Gasperetti.
There are also related surnamed derived from similar origins, such as Jasper and Jespersen, with the former derived directly from the name Jasper and the latter being a patronymic form from Northern Germany and Denmark.
Remember that variations in spelling can also be simply due to transcription errors, local dialects, and regional differences. Sometimes, even within the same region or town, the spelling of a surname can change significantly over time.
Famous people with the name Gasper
- Chris Gasper: An acclaimed journalist who works for the Boston Globe as a sports columnist. He has also made appearances on television and radio broadcasts.
- Olivia Gasper: A professional actress known for her roles in "The Clearing" (2020), "Catching Up" (2019), and "The Laundry" (2019).
- Patrick Gasper: A professional dancer who has participated in various dance competitions internationally.
- Paul Gasper: An eminent professor of Mathematics at the George Washington University. Known for his publications in mathematical physics and special functions.
- Jim Gasper: A playwright and theater director famous for his work on "The Swing of the Sea".
- Nathalie Gasper: A French actress known for her work in "Navarro" (1989), "Life's a Bitch" (2015), and "Black Venus" (2010).
- Peter Gasper: An American artist renowned for his work in native American art, especially Navajo fetish carvings. It should be noted that while these individuals have made unique contributions to their respective fields, they might not have worldwide fame.