What does Ketura mean and where does it come from?
Ketura (קטורה) is a name of Hebrew origin, noted in biblical texts as the wife of Abraham after Sarah. It conveys meanings associated with incense and fragrance, symbolizing holiness and divine presence. The name is seldom used in contemporary contexts, but it may find favor among those seeking uniq
Cultural significance
Ketura has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of incense.
Peak popularity
Reached #5509 in 1981 — currently #1536 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Ketura?
Ketura works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Ketura Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Ketura Rose
Floral · soft ending
Ketura Mae
Sweet · timeless
Ketura Claire
French influence · crisp
Ketura Jane
Literary · strong
Ketura Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Ketura right now?
Holding steady — currently #1536 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1536 | 664 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1541 | 644 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #1546 | 614 | ▲ up 13461 · +10133% births |
| 2005 | #15007 | 6 | ▼ down 2788 · -14% births |
| 2000 | #12219 | 7 | ▼ down 2307 · -12% births |
| 1995 | #9912 | 8 | ▼ down 1707 · -20% births |
| 1990 | #8205 | 10 | ▲ up 1833 · +67% births |
| 1985 | #10038 | 6 | ▲ up 1329 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #11367 | 5 | — |
The story of Ketura
Ketura is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 179 total births recorded, Ketura remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #11367 in 1980 to #1536 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Ketura in 1981:
Ketura by decade
Ketura peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 27 | |
| 1980s ★ | 57 | |
| 1990s | 51 | |
| 2000s | 34 | |
| 2010s | 10 | |
💎Ketura has only 179 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Ketura?
Famous people named Ketura
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Ketura (historical figure)
Ketura bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Ketura?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ketura also consider these
Common questions about the name Ketura
What does the name Ketura mean?
Ketura means "Incense" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Ketura?
Ketura is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Ketura?
Ketura originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Ketura?
Ketura is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 T UH0 R AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Ketura?
Ketura pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.