Rising since 1987, #2,214 for girls today.
Popularity of Zipporah since 1912
Babies named Zipporah per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2018, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Zipporah's real moment was 2025.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 12 |
| 1920s | 16 |
| 1930s | 0 |
| 1940s | 5 |
| 1950s | 26 |
| 1960s | 45 |
| 1970s | 129 |
| 1980s | 272 |
| 1990s | 381 |
| 2000s | 638 |
| 2010s | 685 |
| 2020s | 423 |
Meaning & origin
Zipporah, a biblical name with ancient roots, has seen a gentle resurgence in recent decades. First recorded in the US in 1912, its peak year is 2025, reflecting growing interest in distinctive Old Testament names. With a rank of 2214 and a one-in-19,365 incidence, it remains a rare choice. The name's trajectory has been rising since 1987, consistent with a broader revival of biblical and vintage names. Its top states include Washington, Ohio, and Georgia, suggesting appeal across diverse regions. Zipporah offers a strong yet feminine alternative to more common biblical names, with a clear pronunciation and positive associations.
Zipporah is derived from the Hebrew name Tzipporah (צִפּוֹרָה), thought to mean 'bird' from the root word 'tsipor'. In the Hebrew Bible, Zipporah was the wife of Moses and the daughter of Jethro, a Midianite priest. The name has been used among Jewish communities for centuries and occasionally appears in English-speaking countries, gaining modest usage in the United States since the late 19th century.
Where Zipporah is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Zippy, Zip, Zippo
Sibling names for Zipporah
Names that share Zipporah's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Miriam, Eliana, Naomi, Hadassah, Shoshana, Azariah, Keziah, Vashti, Adaiah, Athalia, Athaliah, Azaliah, Rifka, Zurisadai, Katurah, Yitta, Abiah, Amisadai, Asenat, Hephzibah, Ketzia, Ruhama, Shemiah, Tirsa, Vasti
Brothers: Aaron, Elijah, Isaac, Levi, Josiah, Abdiel, Asa, Asael, Ishmael, Jahziel, Jeriah, Jethro, Zabdiel, Zuriel, Abdias, Amaziah, Hazael, Jaaziel, Jahdiel, Jeriel, Kemuel, Melchizedek, Phinehas, Reuel, Zaccai, Abishai, Asahel, Azarius, Gershom, Imanuel, Jahzeel, Jasher, Nemiah, Tiras, Uziah, Aser, Azarel, Azuriah, Beniah, Esaul, Jeshurun, Nechemia, Nephtali, Shammah
