Holding steady.
Popularity of Nephtali since 1964
Babies named Nephtali per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 5 |
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 29 |
| 1990s | 38 |
| 2000s | 27 |
| 2010s | 7 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Nephtali is a biblical name that has never enjoyed widespread popularity. First recorded in the U.S. in 1964, it reached its peak year in 1975, though even then it was given to only a handful of newborns. Its trajectory has been stable, with no significant revival in recent decades. The name remains extremely rare; in the latest year (2025) it was used fewer than five times. Because no top states are reported, it is likely scattered across the country. While the spelling Nephtali is less common than Naphtali, both share the same ancient Hebrew origin, derived from Rachel's exclamation in the Book of Genesis. The name carries a sense of biblical heritage and individuality, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive Old Testament name for their son.
Nephtali is a variant spelling of Naphtali, one of the twelve tribes of Israel in the Hebrew Bible. The name derives from the Hebrew root 'patal' (meaning to twist or wrestle), referencing Rachel's exclamation 'I have wrestled with my sister and I have prevailed.' The spelling with 'ph' is a less common anglicization, likely influenced by Greek or Latin transcriptions of the biblical name.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Neph, Tali
Sibling names for Nephtali
Names that share Nephtali's style, for a brother or sister.
