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 #3547 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Keturah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Keturah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Keturah Claire
French influence · crisp
Keturah Jane
Literary · strong
Keturah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Keturah right now?
Rising fast — up 379 spots — currently #3547 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 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 | ▲ up 1832 · +180% births |
| 1970 | #3900 | 15 | ▲ up 95 · +36% births |
| 1965 | #3995 | 11 | — |
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
| 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 | 34 | |
💎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.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
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 K EH1 T UW1 R AA1. 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.