Caspar

Caspar is a masculine given name of Persian origin, derived from the ancient word “kansbar” meaning “treasurer” or “keeper of the treasure.” It entered European usage through the Biblical tradition, where Caspar (also spelled Gaspar or Jasper) is traditionally identified as one of the three Magi who visited the infant Jesus. The name spread across Western Europe in the Middle Ages and has been borne by numerous figures in the arts, sciences, and public life.

In historical and cultural contexts, Caspar appears as a variant of the name of one of the Three Wise Men, often associated with the gift of frankincense. Although the biblical narrative does not name the Magi, medieval tradition assigned the names Caspar, Melchior and Balthazar, a convention that persists in Western Christian art and liturgy.

Prominent individuals named Caspar include Caspar David Friedrich (1774–1840), a German Romantic painter noted for his moody landscapes; Caspar Weinberger (1917–2006), an American politician who served as Secretary of Defense under President Ronald Reagan; and Caspar Henderson, a contemporary British author and journalist. The name is also found among scholars such as Caspar Wistar (1761–1818), a pioneering American physician and anatomist.

Geographically, Caspar designates a small community in Mendocino County, California, known for its coastal setting and historic mill town architecture. The locality was named after a local ranch owner in the 19th century.

Beyond personal and place names, “Caspar” has been used for various commercial and artistic entities, including the Caspar television series (a 1990s German animated program) and as a brand name for certain culinary products. The name remains in moderate use today, appreciated for its classical resonance and historical associations.