Surname Asher - Meaning and Origin

Journey through Time: Unraveling My Ashkenazi Roots with iGENEA DNA Test

Discover an engaging narrative about experiencing the iGENEA DNA test. From unearthing the prolific ancestry behind the Asher surname to creating bonds with distant relatives forming a global community, this is a fascinating exploration of one's roots.

E. Asher

Asher: What does the surname Asher mean?

The surname Asher is of Jewish and English origin. In Hebrew, Asher means "happy" or "blessed" and is taken from Asher, the eighth son of Jacob, and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Asher tribe was known for its wisdom and also for providing leaders, including judges, to the Jewish people. Hence, people with the Asher surname might trace their lineage back to the tribe of Asher.

Meanwhile, in Old English, Asher is a topographic name for someone who lived near an ash tree or in an ash wood, derived from the words "æsc" meaning ash, and "her" meaning army.

In a broader interpretation, Asher could also refer to someone strong, fortunate, and wise. Over time, it has become a popular first name in addition to being a last name. However, Asher's roots in ancient religious and tribal history make it significant for those interested in genealogical studies. It is a common Jewish surname but has been embraced by people of all ethnicities worldwide.

Asher: Where does the name Asher come from?

The surname Asher has roots in multiple cultures including English, Jewish, and German. In English and German, it evolved from an occupational name for someone who lived near an ash tree or worked with ash wood. In the Jewish culture, Asher is one of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible and it means "happy" or "blessed". Today, this surname is common in English-speaking countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia. It is also prevalent in Israel due to its biblical origins. Asher is not only used as a surname but also as a given name, significantly among Jews.

Variations of the surname Asher

The surname Asher is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Aesher", a compound of two elements: 'aes', meaning god, and 'here', an army, hence 'god’s army' or 'god of armies'.

Variations and alternative spellings of the surname Asher can include Asher, Asser, Ascher, Ascher, Assur, Asure, Aysher, Esher, Escher, and Asch. It's also possible for typos or mistakes on documents to lead to a variant of the name. For example, an Osher may have originally been an Asher. Furthermore, the name Asher can have variations based on geographical location and cultural adaptations.

In some cases, Asher may also be a Jewish surname. It traces its roots back to the biblical figure Asher, who was one of Jacob’s sons and the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

In the Jewish or Hebrew context, it has potentially derived from the Hebrew word 'osher', meaning happiness. It may also be anglicized from the Yiddish name Asher Anshel.

In sum, the surname Asher has various spelling and variant possibilities, largely based on cultural, geographical, and historical influences.

Famous people with the name Asher

• Jane Asher: An English actress, author, and entrepreneur, known for her work in British film and TV.
• Peter Asher: An English guitarist, singer, manager, record producer. He was a part of the duo Peter & Gordon.
• William Asher: An American television and film producer, film director, and scriptwriter. He is best known for his work on popular sitcoms like "Bewitched" and "I Love Lucy."
• Gerald Asher: Noted English wine writer and former wine merchant.
• Erin Asher: An American actress who appeared in the movies "A Civil Action" and "Next Stop Wonderland."
• Irving Asher: He was a British-American film producer, known for movies like "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde."
• Bridget Asher: A pen name for author Julianna Baggott, who wrote a number of popular novels like "The Provence Cure for the Brokenhearted."
• Edward Asher: A significant figure in the history of cinema, known as one of the pioneers of film distribution in the early 20th century.
• Alexandria Asher: A voice actress known for her work in Japanese anime series.
• Raymond Asher: A New Zealand cricketer who played for Auckland Cricket team in the 1940s.

Other surnames

AsheAshearAshearstAshenhurstAshenhustAshersenAsherssonAshertAsheuer