Here's what we know:
* The Bible only mentions that there were "wise men from the east." Matthew 2:1-12 describes their visit, noting that they brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.
* The names appeared later. The names Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar first appeared in Christian writings around the 6th century AD.
* Possible origins of the names:
* Caspar: Possibly derived from a Persian word meaning "treasurer" or "cupbearer."
* Melchior: Might be derived from a Hebrew word meaning "king of light."
* Balthazar: Possibly from a Babylonian word meaning "Bel protects the king."
Why these names became associated with the Wise Men:
* Tradition and folklore: Over time, these names became part of the Christian tradition and folklore surrounding the story of the Wise Men. They were likely chosen because they had a regal and foreign feel, fitting the image of these wise men coming from afar to pay homage to the newborn King.
* Art and literature: The names became widespread through art and literature, particularly in medieval and Renaissance art. This solidified their association with the biblical figures.
It's important to note that the names Caspar, Melchior, and Balthazar are not biblically accurate. They are part of a later tradition that developed around the story of the Wise Men. Nevertheless, these names have become deeply embedded in Christian tradition and continue to be used to represent the three wise men who followed the star to Bethlehem.