What does Keturah mean and where does it come from?
Keturah is a Hebrew name that appears in the Bible, belonging to the wife of Abraham after Sarah's death. The name means 'incense' or 'to burn', symbolizing fragrance and devotion. It has been used in various cultures influenced by Jewish tradition. Notable bearers of the name include Keturah, an an
Cultural significance
Keturah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of incense.
Peak popularity
Reached #1336 in 1982 — currently #4819 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Keturah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Keturah?
Keturah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Keturah Grace
One syllable · timeless choice
Keturah Claire
One syllable · timeless choice
Keturah Zoey
One syllable · vintage charm
Keturah Maeve
One syllable · timeless choice
Keturah Jade
One syllable · vintage charm
Keturah Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Keturah right now?
Falling — down 1337 spots — currently #4819 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4819 | 28 | ▼ down 1337 · -38% births |
| 2024 | #3482 | 45 | ▲ up 65 · +2% births |
| 2023 | #3547 | 44 | ▲ up 379 · +16% births |
| 2022 | #3926 | 38 | ▼ down 86 · -3% births |
| 2021 | #3840 | 39 | ▲ up 213 · +15% births |
| 2020 | #4053 | 34 | ▼ down 520 · -23% births |
| 2015 | #3533 | 44 | ▼ down 118 · -6% births |
| 2010 | #3415 | 47 | ▼ down 203 · -2% births |
| 2005 | #3212 | 48 | ▼ down 1049 · -35% births |
| 2000 | #2163 | 74 | ▼ down 567 · -21% births |
| 1995 | #1596 | 94 | ▲ up 640 · +65% births |
| 1990 | #2236 | 57 | ▼ down 660 · -25% births |
| 1985 | #1576 | 76 | ▲ up 316 · +33% births |
| 1980 | #1892 | 57 | ▲ up 176 · +36% births |
| 1975 | #2068 | 42 | — |
The story of Keturah
Keturah has been a beloved American name for over 134 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1890. With 3,335 total births recorded, Keturah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1508 in 1890, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #3547 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Keturah in 1982:
Keturah by decade
Keturah peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1890s | 15 | |
| 1900s | 17 | |
| 1910s | 47 | |
| 1920s | 47 | |
| 1930s | 7 | |
| 1940s | 36 | |
| 1950s | 55 | |
| 1960s | 117 | |
| 1970s | 451 | |
| 1980s | 685 | |
| 1990s ★ | 783 | |
| 2000s | 561 | |
| 2010s | 480 | |
| 2020s | 107 | |
💎With 3,335 total births, Keturah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Keturah?
Famous people named Keturah
K(
Keturah (historical community leader)
Keturah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
K(
Keturah (historical community leader)
Keturah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Keturah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Keturah also consider these
How is Keturah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Keturah
What does the name Keturah mean?
Keturah 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 Keturah?
Keturah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Keturah?
Keturah 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 Keturah?
Keturah is a three-syllable name pronounced KET-OO-RAH. 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 Keturah?
Keturah 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.