Zephaniah Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Zephaniah is a Hebrew name meaning 'Yahweh has hidden' or 'Yahweh has protected'. It evolved from the Hebrew 'Tsephanyahu' to its Latinized form and further Anglicized variant. The name is associated with the biblical prophet Zephaniah, contributing to its religious significance. It reflects traits of protection and divine secrecy, with a notable biblical background. Today, it is viewed as a traditional name, especially in religious communities.
The name Zephaniah is most popular in Colorado, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Zephaniah has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, too falling for male in West, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for male in West, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Zephaniah' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 5920th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3293rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1643rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1364th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 24966th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 8325th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 6115th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Zephaniah' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Zephaniah"
Pronunciation
/ˌzɛfəˈnaɪə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Zephaniah comes from the Hebrew name 'Tsephanyahu', which means 'Yahweh has hidden' or 'Yahweh has protected'.
Meaning
Yahweh has hidden, Yahweh has protected
Language Evolution
Tsephanyahu (Hebrew), Zephaniah (Latinized form), Zephania (Anglicized form)
Biblical Background
Zephaniah is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as one of the twelve minor prophets.
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the early modern period, particularly among Jewish and Christian communities, due to its biblical association.
Variants & Derivatives
Zephania, Zeph (short form)
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Zephaniah is perceived as a unique and traditional name, often favored in religious contexts.
Famous People
Zephaniah the prophet (Biblical figure), Zephaniah Kingsley (American plantation owner and abolitionist)
Explore More Zephaniah Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Zephaniah"
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 "Zephaniah"
"Zephaniah" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 5920th of 10718 | 44 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3293rd of 16616 | 269 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1643rd of 24088 | 1,320 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1364th of 23106 | 1,621 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 24966th of 27321 | 7 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 8325th of 35406 | 208 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 6115th of 30306 | 241 |
Regional Popularity of "Zephaniah" 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - |
58.75% 3711th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
59.73% 2737th/4582 |
38.30% 1978th/5164 |
23.12% 1691st/7313 |
21.95% 1638th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
37.65% 1500th/3984 |
34.95% 1568th/4487 |
20.30% 1385th/6822 |
18.69% 1173rd/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Zephaniah" 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) |
- | - | - |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- |
100.00% 4487th/4487 |
87.73% 5985th/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Zephaniah"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Zephaniah" 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.