Declining since 2008, #2,765 for boys today.
Popularity of Neftali since 1953
Babies named Neftali per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1950s | 0 | 41 |
| 1960s | 0 | 118 |
| 1970s | 0 | 225 |
| 1980s | 11 | 281 |
| 1990s | 147 | 415 |
| 2000s | 180 | 584 |
| 2010s | 42 | 407 |
| 2020s | 7 | 219 |
Meaning & origin
Neftali is a biblical name with deep roots in Hebrew tradition, representing the tribe of Naphtali. Its usage in the United States has been relatively modest, first recorded in 1953. The name saw its peak popularity in 2003, and has been declining gradually since 2008, with a trajectory that indicates it is becoming less common. In 2025, Neftali ranked 2,765, with an incidence of about 1 in 37,132 boys. Geographically, Texas (TX) has been the state with the highest concentration of children named Neftali, reflecting its popularity within Latino communities. The name offers a distinct alternative to more common biblical names, carrying a sense of historical and spiritual significance.
Neftali is a variant of Naphtali, the name of the fifth son of Jacob in the Hebrew Bible. Derived from the Hebrew root 'patal' meaning 'to twist' or 'to wrestle', it carries the connotation of struggle. The name has been used among Spanish-speaking communities, particularly in Latin America, due to cultural transmission via the Bible.
Where Neftali is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Naphtali
Sibling names for Neftali
Names that share Neftali's style, for a brother or sister.
