אָשֵׁר
Asher / Asher
“Happy/blessed”
Asher (אָשֵׁר, Asher) is a Hebrew boy's name meaning “happy/blessed,” pronounced “a-SHER.” From the Hebrew root א-שׁ-ר (aleph-shin-resh) meaning 'happy, blessed, fortunate.' The word 'ashrei' (אַשְׁרֵי, 'happy/blessed is...') that opens many Psalms comes from the same root. Leah's exclamation 'be-oshri' (in my happiness) is a direct wordplay on the name.
| Hebrew | אָשֵׁר |
|---|---|
| Transliteration | Asher |
| English Name | Asher |
| Meaning | Happy/blessed |
| Pronunciation | a-SHER |
| Gender | Boy |
| Category | Male Biblical Names |
| Variants | Ashor, Aser, Ashur |
| Key Scripture | Genesis 30:13 |
In a family saga dominated by rivalry, deception, and heartbreak, Asher's name stands out as a rare burst of pure joy. When he was born, his mother Leah (through her servant Zilpah) exclaimed: 'How happy I am! The women will call me happy' (Genesis 30:13). The name Asher means simply 'happy' or 'blessed,' and his tribe inherited that identity — Moses' final blessing declared 'Most blessed of sons is Asher; let him be favored by his brothers, and let him bathe his feet in oil' (Deuteronomy 33:24). In a world of complicated names with layered meanings, Asher is refreshingly straightforward: a name that wishes happiness upon its bearer.
Key Scripture: Genesis 30:13
“Then Leah said, 'How happy I am! The women will call me happy.' So she named him Asher.”
What Does Asher Mean in Hebrew?
From the root א-שׁ-ר (aleph-shin-resh) meaning 'to be happy, to be blessed, to go straight.' The adjective 'asher' means 'happy/fortunate.' The famous 'Ashrei' prayer (Psalm 145) begins with this root: 'Ashrei yoshvei veitekha' ('Happy are those who dwell in Your house'). The word also connects to 'yashar' (straight/upright).
Asher in the Bible
Asher was the eighth son of Jacob, born to Zilpah (Leah's servant). His tribe settled in the fertile coastal region of northwestern Israel, known for its olive groves and rich agricultural produce. Moses blessed the tribe with abundance: 'Let him dip his foot in oil' (Deuteronomy 33:24). Anna the prophetess in Luke 2:36 was from the tribe of Asher.
Cultural Context & Modern Usage
The Ashrei prayer, recited three times daily in Jewish liturgy, begins with the same Hebrew root as Asher's name. The connection between 'happiness' and 'blessedness' in Hebrew is profound — biblical happiness is not circumstantial good feelings but the deep contentment of walking in God's ways.
Asher has skyrocketed in popularity, reaching the top 25 boys' names in the United States. Its joyful meaning, pleasant sound, and modern feel have made it one of the trendiest biblical names. It works well across religious and secular contexts.
Frequently Asked Questions About Asher
What does Asher mean in Hebrew?
Asher (אָשֵׁר, Asher) means “Happy/blessed” in Hebrew. From the Hebrew root א-שׁ-ר (aleph-shin-resh) meaning 'happy, blessed, fortunate.' The word 'ashrei' (אַשְׁרֵי, 'happy/blessed is...') that opens many Psalms comes from the same root. Leah's exclamation 'be-oshri' (in my happiness) is a direct wordplay on the name.
How do you pronounce Asher in Hebrew?
The Hebrew pronunciation of Asher is “a-SHER.” The name is written אָשֵׁר in Hebrew script.
What does Asher mean in Hebrew?
Asher (אָשֵׁר) means 'happy' or 'blessed' in Hebrew, from the root א-שׁ-ר (aleph-shin-resh). When he was born, Leah exclaimed 'How happy I am!' (Genesis 30:13). The same root gives us the word 'ashrei' (blessed/happy), which opens the most frequently recited prayer in Jewish liturgy — making Asher's name echo through every synagogue daily.
Why is Asher such a popular baby name?
Asher has surged in popularity due to its joyful meaning ('happy/blessed'), its modern and accessible sound, and the current trend toward Old Testament names with a fresh feel. Unlike heavier biblical names, Asher carries lightness and positivity. Its two-syllable structure and the fashionable 'sh' sound make it appealing across cultural boundaries.
What was the tribe of Asher known for?
The tribe of Asher settled in the fertile coastal region of northwestern Israel, famous for its olive oil production. Moses blessed them: 'Most blessed of sons is Asher... let him bathe his feet in oil' (Deuteronomy 33:24). The tribe was known for agricultural abundance and prosperity, living up to the 'blessed' meaning of their ancestor's name.
Sources & Further Study
Related Hebrew Words
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