Rising since 1999, #4,139 for boys today.
Popularity of Jesper since 1979
Babies named Jesper per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 50 |
| 2010s | 79 |
| 2020s | 111 |
Meaning & origin
Jesper is a Scandinavian name that has quietly gained traction in the United States. First recorded in U.S. births in 1979, it remained obscure for decades. Since 1999, however, the name has been on a steady upward trajectory, peaking in 2023. As of 2025, approximately 1 in 68,323 newborn boys is named Jesper, placing it at rank 4,139. The name's rise mirrors a broader interest in Nordic names. California, the top state for Jesper, reflects its appeal in diverse, trend-forward regions. Jesper's strong consonant sounds and familiar -er ending give it a modern feel while still rooted in tradition.
Jesper is a Scandinavian form of Jasper, which itself derives from the Latin Gaspar, traditionally one of the Three Wise Men. The name Gaspar is believed to originate from the Hebrew 'Gizbar' (treasurer) or from the Persian 'Gansbar' (treasure bearer). Jesper has been used in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway since the Middle Ages and remains common today.
Where Jesper is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Jes, Jessi, Jesper
Sibling names for Jesper
Names that share Jesper's style, for a brother or sister.
