Rising since 1998, #3,658 for boys today.
Popularity of Asaph since 1988
Babies named Asaph per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 6 |
| 1990s | 12 |
| 2000s | 73 |
| 2010s | 171 |
| 2020s | 169 |
Meaning & origin
Asaph is a biblical name that has seen a gradual rise in usage in the United States since the 1990s. First recorded in 1988, the name entered the top 4000 rankings in recent years, peaking at a rank of 3658 in 2022 before holding at 3658 in 2025. This places it as a rare choice, given to approximately 1 in every 56936 boys. Its steady upward trajectory since 1998 suggests a growing appreciation among parents seeking distinctive Old Testament names with a strong historical and religious resonance. While the name has not yet appeared among the top states for usage, its quiet resurgence reflects a broader trend toward choosing uncommon biblical names with a melodic sound.
Derived from the Hebrew root 'asaf', meaning 'to gather'. In the Bible, Asaph is a prominent Levite musician and seer appointed by King David as one of the chief leaders of worship in the tabernacle. The name has been used among English speakers since the Protestant Reformation, though it has never been common.
“Asaph” around the world
Where Asaph lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
5
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Asaf
Sibling names for Asaph
Names that share Asaph's style, for a brother or sister.
