Jesper
/ˈjɛs.pər/noun
A masculine given name, especially common in Scandinavia, and a regional form of Jasper.
Did you know?Jesper is a Scandinavian form of Jasper, a name ultimately linked to the ancient Persian word for jasper, a patterned stone long associated with protection and sacred decoration.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Persian
Persian
yashp
“Jasper, a semiprecious ornamental stone”
Ancient Greek
Greek
iaspis
“Jasper or spotted gemstone”
Classical Latin
Latin
iaspis
“Jasper”
Old French
Old French
jaspe
“Jasper”
Middle English
English
jasper
“The gemstone; later also a personal name”
Modern Scandinavian
Danish/Swedish/Norwegian
Jesper
“A Scandinavian form of Jasper”
Explore more surprising origins