Japheth Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Japheth originates from Hebrew, meaning 'enlarged' or 'to expand'. It has evolved through various languages, including Greek and Latin, before reaching English. Japheth is associated with biblical narratives and has historical significance as one of Noah's sons. While not widely used today, it retains a traditional image and is recognized for its biblical roots.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Japheth"
Pronunciation
/ˈdʒeɪfɛθ/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Japheth comes from the Hebrew word 'yaphet', meaning 'to be enlarged' or 'to expand'. It is often associated with the biblical figure Japheth, one of the sons of Noah in the Old Testament.
Meaning
enlarged, to expand
Language Evolution
Hebrew: יָפֶת (Yaphet), Greek: Ιαφέθ (Iapheth), Latin: Iaphet, English: Japheth
Biblical Background
Japheth is a significant figure in the Bible, mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of Noah's three sons. He is traditionally considered the ancestor of many peoples and nations.
Historical Usage
The name Japheth has been in use since ancient times, particularly in Jewish and Christian communities. It gained popularity in the Renaissance period as biblical names became fashionable.
Variants & Derivatives
Japheth (common variant), Jafeth (variant spelling), Japhethiel (derived name)
Modern Popularity & Image
Japheth is not commonly used as a modern given name, but it may be appreciated in religious or biblical contexts. It carries a classic and traditional connotation.
Famous People
Japheth Omojuwa (Nigerian social media expert and political activist), Japheth Ngobeni (South African cricketer)
📊 Japheth Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Japheth Name Visualizations
✨ Japheth Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 51 peak births in 2007
Geographic Spread
Popular across 7 US states, with strongest presence in Indiana
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 4 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Japheth"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Japheth"
"Japheth" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3493rd of 10718 | 139 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3247th of 16616 | 274 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3209th of 24088 | 497 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 3157th of 23106 | 443 |
Regional Popularity of "Japheth" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
66.98% 3459th/5164 |
49.49% 3619th/7313 |
55.88% 4170th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
56.58% 2254th/3984 |
64.54% 2896th/4487 |
53.28% 3635th/6822 |
60.40% 3791st/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Japheth" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Japheth"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Japheth" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Japheth" in the United States
The name Japheth is most popular in Indiana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Japheth has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Japheth' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3493rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3247th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3209th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3157th out of 23106 names. Discover how the name 'Japheth' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.