Holding steady, #2,765 for boys today.
Popularity of Jafet since 1986
Babies named Jafet per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 26 |
| 1990s | 162 |
| 2000s | 522 |
| 2010s | 465 |
| 2020s | 267 |
Meaning & origin
Jafet is the Spanish and Portuguese form of the biblical name Japheth, appearing in the Book of Genesis as one of Noah's three sons. The name has been in consistent but uncommon use in the United States since it was first recorded in 1986. It reached its peak popularity in 2015, though it has since remained relatively stable. The name is most prevalent in Florida, California, and Texas, reflecting its association with Hispanic communities. In 2025, it ranked 2765th, with a frequency of 1 in 37,132 boys. Despite its long history outside the U.S., Jafet has never become widespread domestically, making it a distinctive choice for families seeking a name with biblical resonance and cultural ties.
Jafet is a Spanish and Portuguese variant of Japheth, one of the three sons of Noah in the Hebrew Bible. The name is derived from the Hebrew verb 'yapat,' meaning 'to be spacious' or 'to open,' and is often interpreted as 'may God enlarge.' It has been used in Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking countries for centuries, often in religious contexts, but remains relatively rare in the United States.
Where Jafet is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Jafet
Names that share Jafet's style, for a brother or sister.
