A 1880s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Asa since 1880
Babies named Asa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2022, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Asa's real moment was 1881.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 532 |
| 1890s | 0 | 412 |
| 1900s | 0 | 244 |
| 1910s | 11 | 732 |
| 1920s | 27 | 995 |
| 1930s | 5 | 648 |
| 1940s | 12 | 526 |
| 1950s | 10 | 438 |
| 1960s | 69 | 412 |
| 1970s | 86 | 670 |
| 1980s | 138 | 1,390 |
| 1990s | 180 | 1,796 |
| 2000s | 296 | 3,430 |
| 2010s | 566 | 5,224 |
| 2020s | 501 | 3,717 |
Meaning & origin
Asa has remained a consistent if uncommon choice since the 1880s, when it first appeared in Social Security records. It peaked in 1881 and, after a long decline, has been climbing steadily since 1985, rising to rank 483 in 2025. The name is most frequently given in Maine, New Hampshire, and Arkansas. Its roots in the Hebrew Bible give it a solid, traditional feel that many parents appreciate, while its brevity and strong meaning add to its appeal.
Asa derives from the Hebrew root אשה (asha), meaning 'to heal' or 'to cure.' In the Old Testament, Asa was the third king of Judah, known for his religious reforms and military successes. The name was used among Puritans in the 17th century and has seen periodic use in the United States since colonial times.
Where Asa is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Asa
Names that share Asa's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Ada, Leah, Miriam, Ruth, Zipporah, Nia, Nola, Aja, Ani, Makeda, Anah, Ary, Judea, Meron, Roux, Akyra, Alee, Amai, Ase, Ndea, Nyara, Nyema, Nysa, Osha, Zira, Akya, Naasia, Rhesa
Brothers: Ezra, Levi, Noah, Jonah, Micah, Ira, Tate, Elihu, Kian, Azai, Eben, Heber, Makari, Adlai, Azel, Nyaire, Zan, Abdon, Absalom, Asai, Espn, Asaya, Azi, Idus
Names like Asa
Names whose popularity has moved with Asa's over the last 50 years.
