Declining since 2006.
Popularity of Yaphet since 1971
Babies named Yaphet per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 79 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 76 |
| 2010s | 68 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Yaphet is a rare biblical variant first recorded in the United States in 1971, with its peak usage occurring the following year in 1972. Since 2006, its frequency has been in decline, and it remains one of the most uncommon names in the data. The name never appeared in the top 1,000 names for boys in any year, and no top states recorded significant usage. Its obscurity makes it a distinctive choice for families seeking a name with biblical roots but little mainstream exposure.
Yaphet is a variant of Japheth, one of the three sons of Noah in the Book of Genesis. The Hebrew name Japheth (יֶפֶת) is traditionally interpreted as meaning 'may he extend' or 'may God enlarge,' reflecting the blessing that Japheth's descendants would spread widely. The spelling Yaphet emerged as an English phonetic variant, possibly influenced by Ethiopian or other African naming traditions, but remains rare.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Yaff, Yap
Sibling names for Yaphet
Names that share Yaphet's style, for a brother or sister.
