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Casper

Boy name · 139 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Casper: 139 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 12 births in 2021.

A name with ancient Persian roots, Casper is traditionally linked to one of the three Biblical Magi, or Wise Men, who visited the infant Jesus. For centuries, a figure named Caspar, often associated with gold, was celebrated in Christian tradition, though the name’s ultimate origin may lie in the Persian “kansbar,” meaning “treasure bearer.” In Scottish and English contexts, the benevolent ghost in the classic cartoon *Casper the Friendly Ghost* has given the name a warm, playful familiarity. The name also shares a linguistic root with the German city of Kassel, whose name is derived from the same ancient word for a fortified stronghold. While Kasper is a common Scandinavian spelling, the Scottish variant Jasper—a gemstone name—is often used interchangeably, though they have distinct histories.