Asko

Meaning: “ash tree, (ash) spear” + “wielder”

A medieval name, originally in the farm name Askola, but only later revived as a given name. Ultimately probably a vernacular form of the Germanic name Askold, Ascolt, compare Old East Norse Haskuldr, from Proto-Germanic *askaz (“ash tree, (ash) spear”) + *waldaz (“wielder”), i.e. "spear-wielder". Mikkonen & Paikkala (2000) suspect that the name may also partially derive, like Asikainen, from Old Saxon Asico, Asic, Asik. SPNK considers the name a vernacular form akin to Esko. Also recorded as a nickname of Antti and Akseli. Related to Latvian Askolds.