Is Asher popular?

mrsmklynch · April 2012

So far it's the only boy name we can really agree on. I've seen it pop up on a lot of lists around here but I was wondering if anyone is actually using it or knows anyone who has. I named my son Logan 5 years ago and it became INSANELY popular shortly thereafter. I'd really like to avoid that this time around.

If this baby is another girl, we're going to go with Gemma. We picked it out about a month after our daughter was born and have been hoping for a chance to use it!

Also, what middle names would you use with Asher or Gemma? We have a Logan Patrick and Vivienne Jane, so we tend to go classic and/or old fashioned.

My mom hates both of the names we've picked. lol

anna7602 · April 2012

Just sticking to the Asher question since I'm no good at picking out mns for strangers.

I have a friend who just gave birth to an Asher last week.

I also know an Asher who is about 5 or 6 years old. He is a good friend's nephew. Plus, DD had baby swim class with an Asher a couple of years ago.

So, yes, it feels kind of popular to me, but maybe it's a New York thing. I could see this name being less common outside NYC.

I really like Gemma.

WiFeY 4 LiFeY · April 2012

I love Asher and Gemma!

I think Asher is popular on this board..but I dont know anyone with the name. I know one Jemma

KikiCohen · April 2012

If this LO is a girl, we're naming her Gemma... I love your taste! Asher is on my list too, but I'm not sure DH is on board. I don't know anyone with that name.

NewlyWeds13 · April 2012

I don't think Asher is as popular as Logan, but I have heard of it. It is not overly popular though and don't think it is trending that way.

Gemma seems more popular to me than Asher (I know of at least 5 little Gemma's under 3 from my circle's kids) but I am guessing that this will be regional. I also don't think Gemma is popular... it is still different, but again, you do hear it.

If you main issue is popularity, I think both are perfect... real names, that one will know of, but are not popular.

For middle names, here are couple that I like.

Asher James

Asher Nicholas

For Gemma...

Gemma Elizabeth

Gemma Paige

JMU_Bride09 · April 2012

I know absolutely no Ashers, adult or child. Some middle name ideas for you: Asher George Asher David Asher Lloyd Gemma Margaret Gemma Catherine Gemma Leigh

Aligator28 · April 2012

I like both Asher and Gemma.

In my area, deep south, those names are not popular.

FrecklesInside · April 2012

I don't know that it is popular, but I think all Ash names are kind of trendy...

I also don't think Asher fits with your other kids' names.... Not sure about Gemma either, but then again, this is your child, if you and H love it, use it.

krissyj75 · April 2012

I have a friend with a son named Asher. Here's my take on it: Popular - no. Trendy - yes.

mrsmklynch · April 2012

Thank you for all of the input. I didn't even realize Asher was trendy until I started browsing around here. I took it from a character in a series of books I read a few years ago, but had never actually heard it used in real life. We got Gemma from Sons of Anarchy. lol!

I'm not really worried about all the kids' names being matchy. They're their own individual people so I don't think their names have to "go together", but that's just my opinion.

I'm struggling with middle names because though I'm not generally fond of alliterations, that seems to be all I can come up with. My front runners right now are Gemma Grey and Asher Alexander.

jupiterthecat · April 2012

It depends what you mean by popular. I had never even heard the name until a couple years ago-- it's Biblical, but it was rarely used until about a decade ago. So if you used it 50 years ago, your son would probably almost never meet another Asher, and you'd be applauded for your outstanding originality (except not, because according to my relatives, this need for original names is kind of unique to our generation...but I digress). These days, Asher has had a resurgence, but it's still far from common. About .14% of boys in 2010 were named Asher. So just over 1 in 1,000. Your son will meet other Ashers, but he'll hardly be one of 5 in his class. (Logan, in contrast, represents .69% of boys, or about 7 in 1,000. Again, perceptions of popularity are often skewed). I wouldn't be shocked if Asher gets more popular in coming years, but I doubt it will be the next Aiden any time soon.