What does Zipporah mean and where does it come from?
Zipporah (צִפּוֹרָה) is a name of Hebrew origin, notably recognized in the Bible as the wife of Moses. The meaning, 'bird' or 'sparrow,' evokes images of freedom and delicacy. Zipporah's character is significant in the biblical narrative, often regarded as a strong and supportive figure. The name ha
Cultural significance
Zipporah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of bird, sparrow.
Peak popularity
Reached #2182 in 2018 — currently #2644 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Zipporah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Zipporah?
Zipporah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zipporah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Zipporah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Zipporah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Zipporah Claire
French influence · crisp
Zipporah Jane
Literary · strong
Zipporah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Zipporah right now?
Falling — down 282 spots — currently #2644 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2644 | 67 | ▼ down 282 · -15% births |
| 2022 | #2362 | 79 | ▲ up 52 · +5% births |
| 2021 | #2414 | 75 | ▲ up 251 · +21% births |
| 2020 | #2665 | 62 | ▼ down 191 · -15% births |
| 2015 | #2474 | 73 | ▲ up 335 · +18% births |
| 2010 | #2809 | 62 | ▲ up 246 · +19% births |
| 2005 | #3055 | 52 | ▼ down 772 · -24% births |
| 2000 | #2283 | 68 | ▲ up 882 · +89% births |
| 1995 | #3165 | 36 | ▲ up 1237 · +64% births |
| 1990 | #4402 | 22 | ▼ down 1447 · -29% births |
| 1985 | #2955 | 31 | ▲ up 794 · +48% births |
| 1980 | #3749 | 21 | ▲ up 447 · +40% births |
| 1975 | #4196 | 15 | ▲ up 3023 · +150% births |
| 1970 | #7219 | 6 | ▼ down 493 · +20% births |
| 1965 | #6726 | 5 | — |
The story of Zipporah
Zipporah entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 2,269 total births recorded, Zipporah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5547 in 1950 to #2644 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Zipporah in 2018:
Zipporah by decade
Zipporah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 12 | |
| 1920s | 16 | |
| 1940s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 26 | |
| 1960s | 45 | |
| 1970s | 129 | |
| 1980s | 272 | |
| 1990s | 381 | |
| 2000s | 638 | |
| 2010s ★ | 683 | |
| 2020s | 62 | |
💎With 2,269 total births, Zipporah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Zipporah?
Famous people named Zipporah
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Zipporah (historical community leader)
Zipporah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
Z(
Zipporah (historical figure)
Zipporah 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 Zipporah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zipporah also consider these
How is Zipporah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Zipporah
What does the name Zipporah mean?
Zipporah means "bird, sparrow" — 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 Zipporah?
Zipporah 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 Zipporah?
Zipporah 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 Zipporah?
Zipporah is a three-syllable name pronounced Z IH1 P AO1 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 Zipporah?
Zipporah 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.