Ascher

Ascher is a surname and, in some cases, a given name found in German-speaking and Ashkenazi Jewish communities. The form is typically linked to the German word asche, meaning “ash,” and it may have originated as a toponymic surname for someone living near an ash tree or grove, or as a descriptive nickname.

The name has appeared in German-language records and among Jewish populations in Central and Eastern Europe, with subsequent migration leading to its presence in North America and Israel. Spelling variations include Ascher, Asher, and Ašer, reflecting differences in language, transliteration, and regional naming practices. In some historical contexts, Ascher has also functioned as a given name, particularly within Jewish communities where family names were used as first names.

People bearing the surname have been active across a range of fields, including the arts, sciences, business, and public life. While the name remains relatively uncommon, it persists in several countries with Germanic or Jewish heritage, often appearing in genealogical records and contemporary directories.

See also: Asher (name) and related surnames.