asher

Asher is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It derives from the Hebrew word ashar, meaning “happy” or “blessed,” and is associated with the biblical figure Asher, one of the twelve sons of Jacob. The Tribe of Asher traced its traditional territory in ancient Israel, and the name has carried connotations of fortune and well-being in Jewish and Christian traditions.

Beyond its biblical roots, Asher is used as a personal name in many cultures and has become established in English-speaking contexts. It is primarily masculine in usage but can be found on occasion as a feminine name in modern naming practices. Asher also appears as a surname, with origins that may be patronymic or derived from a place name, among other sources.

In addition to people, the name Asher appears in toponymy and institutions, with several places named Asher in North America and elsewhere. The name has several linguistic variants and related forms used in different languages and cultures, such as Ashur, Ashor, and Ascher.