What does Zilpha mean and where does it come from?
Zilpha (זִלְפָה) is of Hebrew origin and can be found in the Bible, where it is the name of one of the wives of Jacob, who was also the maid of Leah. The meaning suggests a sense of frailty or poverty. Though less common in modern times, Zilpha has seen a resurgence as parents embrace vintage or bib
Cultural significance
Zilpha has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a poor thing.
Peak popularity
Reached #628 in 1888 — currently #1701 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Zilpha?
Zilpha works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zilpha Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Zilpha Rose
Floral · soft ending
Zilpha Mae
Sweet · timeless
Zilpha Claire
French influence · crisp
Zilpha Jane
Literary · strong
Zilpha Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Zilpha right now?
Holding steady — currently #1701 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1701 | 499 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2022 | #1706 | 479 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2021 | #1711 | 449 | ▲ up 2158 · +7383% births |
| 1940 | #3869 | 6 | ▼ down 1174 · -45% births |
| 1930 | #2695 | 11 | ▼ down 675 · -42% births |
| 1920 | #2020 | 19 | ▼ down 53 · +19% births |
| 1915 | #1967 | 16 | ▼ down 620 · +33% births |
| 1910 | #1347 | 12 | ▲ up 363 · +100% births |
| 1905 | #1710 | 6 | ▼ down 531 · -45% births |
| 1900 | #1179 | 11 | ▼ down 277 · -15% births |
| 1895 | #902 | 13 | ▲ up 209 · +86% births |
| 1890 | #1111 | 7 | ▼ down 302 · -12% births |
| 1885 | #809 | 8 | ▲ up 26 · +33% births |
| 1880 | #835 | 6 | — |
The story of Zilpha
Zilpha has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 570 total births recorded, Zilpha remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #835 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1701 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Zilpha in 1888:
Zilpha by decade
Zilpha peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 62 | |
| 1890s | 89 | |
| 1900s | 84 | |
| 1910s ★ | 157 | |
| 1920s | 113 | |
| 1930s | 42 | |
| 1940s | 23 | |
💎Zilpha has only 570 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Zilpha?
Famous people named Zilpha
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Zilpha (historical figure)
Zilpha bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
Z(
Zilpha (historical community leader)
Zilpha led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
Z(
Zilpha (historical figure)
Zilpha 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 Zilpha?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zilpha also consider these
Common questions about the name Zilpha
What does the name Zilpha mean?
Zilpha means "a poor thing" — 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 Zilpha?
Zilpha 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 Zilpha?
Zilpha 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.
Is Zilpha a common or rare name?
Zilpha is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Zilpha a classic or a modern name?
Zilpha has Hebrew roots that go back thousands of years, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.