Rising since 1985, #1,451 for boys today.
Popularity of Zephaniah since 1972
Babies named Zephaniah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1970s | 0 | 37 |
| 1980s | 0 | 109 |
| 1990s | 32 | 299 |
| 2000s | 129 | 846 |
| 2010s | 211 | 1,321 |
| 2020s | 105 | 768 |
Meaning & origin
Zephaniah is a biblical name that has been rising in use over the past several decades. First recorded in the Social Security data in 1972, the name reached its peak popularity in 2019. As of 2025, it ranks 1451, with about 1 in 13,887 newborn boys receiving the name. The name has been climbing since 1985, making it a familiar yet uncommon choice. Zephaniah is most popular in Colorado, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, suggesting a preference in states with diverse cultural and religious communities. Its strong Old Testament roots, along with the approachable nickname Zeph, have contributed to its steady appeal among parents seeking a distinctive name with historical depth.
Zephaniah is a Hebrew theophoric name from the Bible, the name of a minor prophet in the Old Testament. It is derived from the Hebrew elements 'tsafan' meaning 'to hide' or 'to treasure' and 'Yah' referring to God, thus 'Yahweh has hidden' or 'Yahweh has treasured.' The name was used among Puritans in the 17th century and has seen a modest revival in the United States since the late 20th century.
Where Zephaniah is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zeph, Zep, Zephy
Sibling names for Zephaniah
Names that share Zephaniah's style, for a brother or sister.
