What does Shaphan mean and where does it come from?
The name Shaphan is of Hebrew origin, often linked with biblical texts. It is notably mentioned in the Old Testament, referring to the son of Azaliah, a scribe during King Josiah’s reign. The meaning of the name relates to 'rabbit', which may symbolize abundance or fertility in some interpretations.
Cultural significance
Shaphan has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of rabbit.
Peak popularity
Reached #6092 in 1981 — currently #1653 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Shaphan?
Shaphan works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Shaphan Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Shaphan Rose
Floral · soft ending
Shaphan Mae
Sweet · timeless
Shaphan Claire
French influence · crisp
Shaphan Jane
Literary · strong
Shaphan Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Shaphan right now?
Holding steady — currently #1653 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1653 | 547 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1658 | 527 | ▲ up 5 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #1663 | 497 | ▲ up 9214 · +9840% births |
| 2000 | #10877 | 5 | — |
The story of Shaphan
Shaphan is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 53 total births recorded, Shaphan remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10877 in 2000 to #1653 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Shaphan in 1981:
Shaphan by decade
Shaphan peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 11 | |
| 1990s | 14 | |
| 2000s ★ | 23 | |
💎Shaphan has only 53 total recorded births since 1976 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Shaphan?
Famous people named Shaphan
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Shaphan (historical figure)
Shaphan bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Shaphan?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Shaphan also consider these
Common questions about the name Shaphan
What does the name Shaphan mean?
Shaphan means "rabbit" — 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 Shaphan?
Shaphan is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Shaphan?
Shaphan 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 Shaphan?
Shaphan is a two-syllable name pronounced SH AA1 F AE1 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Shaphan a common or rare name?
Shaphan is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.