jesper

Jesper is a male given name used primarily in Denmark, Sweden, Norway, and other Nordic countries. It is the Scandinavian form of Jasper, which ultimately traces to the Persian name Gaspar and the biblical Magi; through Latin and Old French forms, the name became Jasper in English and Jesper in the Nordic languages.

In Denmark and Sweden, Jesper remains a common given name; in other Nordic countries it is recognized but less frequent. As with many traditional names, its popularity has fluctuated over time and varies by generation.

Notable people named Jesper include Jesper Christensen, a Danish actor (born 1949); Jesper Olsen, a Danish former footballer (born 1960); Jesper Parnevik, a Swedish professional golfer (born 1965); and Jesper Juul, a Danish family therapist and author (1948–2019). The name continues to be used across Nordic societies and appears in various cultural and professional contexts.