Jasper Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Jasper Origin:

Iran

Origins of Jasper:

The surname of Jasper can be traced to Arabic countries in the middle ages. The surname itself is Persian, coming from the word of “gaspar,” which can be translated to mean “keeper,” or “the bringer of treasure.” The original legend of the surname of Jasper is that one of the three Magi, who were rumored to have visited Christ in the manger, according to the Christians, was named Jasper or Gaspar. It is believed that the remains of Jasper or Gaspar, the Magi, were brought to Cologne from Constantinople in the 12th Century. Thus, the surname of Jasper became popular among the Christians, and those who followed Cologne. This surname could have possibly been used as a nickname for someone who was lucky, or considered a good luck charm. It is a common element of surnames throughout Europe that many of them originally derived from nicknames, as it was a very common practice in medieval times. In the beginning, nicknames were applied to people who had distinguishing characteristics, such as moral or mental peculiarities, a similar appearance to a bird or animal, a similar disposition to a bird or animal, occupation of an individual, their habits, or their manner of dress. In the case of the surname of Jasper, those who were originally given this nickname could have been revered in society, or in the common way of medieval nicknames, could have been peasants in society, with no luck or honor to their name.

Variations:

More common variations are: Jaspero, Jeasper, Jaspeer, Jaspere, Jaspper, Jhasper, Jasapera, Jesper, Jaspar, Jasber, Jaspri, Jaspa, Jaspra, Josper, Jasbere, Jasbeer

History:

England:

The first recorded spelling of the surname of Jasper can be traced to the country of England. One person by the name of Frances Jasper was said to have married one John Symms in the year of 1572 at St. Bartholomew the Less, which is located in London. This joining of two people occurred under the reign of one Queen Elizabeth I of England, who was known throughout the ages and commonly referred to as one “Good Queen Bess.” Queen Elizabeth I of England ruled from the year of 1558 to the year of 1603. Other mentions of the surname of Jasper in the country of England include one Anne Jesper, who was married to one person by the name of John Lamb at St. Peter’s Church, which is located in the city of Cornhill, London.

United States of America:

It was common for European citizens to migrate to the United States of America in the 17th century, because of the poor living conditions within their home countries. Among those who migrated to the United States was one person by the name of John Jasper, who settled in the state of Virginia in the year of 1634, and who brought this surname of Jasper to America.

Here is the population distribution of the last name Jasper: United States 11,412; Nigeria 4,432, Germany 3,766; Brazil 1,463; Tanzania 1,143; Australia 815; Canada 803; Netherlands 704; Philippines 580; Kenya 549; Ghana 479; South Africa 457

Notable People:

Joshua Norwood Jasper (born in 1987) who was a football placekicker from America, and who played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the year of 2011, and who then played for the Toronto Argonauts in the year of 2012.

Chris Jasper (born in 1951) who was a former member of the Isley Brothers who was from America, and who was a singer and composer.

Seldon Jasper, who served as a Member of the North Carolina House of Commons from Hyde County in the year of 1798, and who was a politician from America.

Norbert J. Jasper, who served as a Member of the Missouri State House of Representatives from Franklin County, and who was elected to this position in the year of 1964, and who was a Democratic politician from America.

Marvin H. Jasper, who served as a Candidate for the New York State Senate in the 15th District in the year of 1958 and in the year of 1962, and who was a Republican politician from America.

John B. Jasper, who served as a Member of the North Carolina State Senate from Hyde County in the year of 1809 to the year of 1810, and who also served as a Member of the North Carolina House of Commons from Hyde County in the year of 1827 to the year of 1828 and again in the year of 1833, and who was a politician from America.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

(London). Argent an anchor sable on a chief wavy gules three escallops of the first. Crest—A standard issuing from the wreath argent charged with a cross gules.