Asa
Asa Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈeɪ.sə/
Meaning of Asa: Asa is a Hebrew name derived from asa (אָסָא), meaning "to heal," "physician," or "healer." The name appears in the Old Testament as Asa, the third king of Judah (c. 910-869 BC), who ruled for 41 years and was praised in Kings and Chronicles for removing idol worship and strengthening the kingdom. His name meaning "healer" was apt for a king described as restoring religious and civic health to his people.
In the New Testament genealogy in Matthew 1, Asa appears in the lineage of Jesus, connecting the name to the central Christian narrative. This placement alongside its Old Testament royal history made Asa attractive to Puritan and Protestant naming traditions from the 17th century onward, when Old Testament names were prized in New England and colonial communities throughout the eastern seaboard.
A. Philip Randolph (1889-1979) - born Asa Philip Randolph - was the civil rights leader who organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters and the 1963 March on Washington. His decades of labor and civil rights organizing make him one of the most consequential American bearers of the name in the 20th century. Read more at Britannica.
What Does Asa Mean? Origin & Etymology
According to SSA records, Asa maintained consistent but modest use through the 20th century and has grown significantly since 2010 as parents rediscover short, punchy Old Testament names. By 2024 it ranked 474 with 645 births - one of the more consistent risers among biblical short names in recent American naming trends, appealing across religious and secular households.
Asa offers maximum brevity: three letters, two syllables, a clear meaning, and deep biblical grounding. Its short sound pairs well with longer middle names, and its healing meaning gives it a purpose-oriented resonance that parents who value meaning over trend find compelling for their children's names.
How Popular Is Asa?
Numerology & Symbolism of Asa
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Asa – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Asa
What does the name Asa mean?
The name Asa derives from Hebrew, the language of the Old Testament. Hebrew names often carried direct meanings tied to religious concepts, tribal history, or divine attributes, giving them a lasting presence in Western naming traditions.
How popular is the name Asa in the United States?
According to SSA records, Asa ranked #474 for boy names in the United States, with 645 births recorded in the most recent annual count. The name hit its highest SSA rank in 2024. It has held a consistent place in US naming statistics across multiple decades.
Where does the name Asa come from?
The name Asa comes from Hebrew. It entered English use through the linguistic and cultural channels typical of Hebrew-origin names—whether through religious texts, migration, or the prestige associated with classical learning. Today it is recognized as a boy’s name across the English-speaking world.