Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Zephaniah

Zephaniah is an Ancient Hebrew name that appears in the Biblical Old Testament in a short book that bears his name. The name’s origin is found in the Hebrew צְפַנְיָה (Ts’phanyáh) meaning “hid of the Lord” in the sense of “protected of the Lord,” composed of the elements tsaphán (to hide, to conceal, to protect) and Yah (Yahweh, Jehovah, God). Though this name is borne by three different men in the Bible, the most common reference is Zephaniah, son of Cushi and one of the Minor Prophets from the tribe of Simeon. He lived c. 7th century BC in Judah during the reforming reign of Josiah; in fact, Zephaniah was one of the king’s most zealous reformers in an effort to bring the Children of Israel back to the worship of one God, Yahweh. His teachings centered on the Lord’s judgement, the day of God’s reckoning, and the ultimate enjoyment of God’s Kingdom (with the assumption His people would get their act together). During this period of Jewish history, Jerusalem was overrun with foreigners and idol worship. Zephaniah’s message was timely and critical.  Given his (albeit) brief and (somewhat) obscure reference in the Bible, his name is generally “hidden” from mass-awareness. But it also seems fitting that such a prophet would indeed be “protected of the Lord.” 

All About the Baby Name – Zephaniah

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME ZEPHANIAH

The number Seven personality is deeply mystical and highly in tune with their spirituality. They operate on a different wavelength than the average joe. Spending time alone comes easily to Sevens, as it gives them time to contemplate philosophical, religious and spiritual ideas in an effort to find "real truth".  Sevens are wise, but often exude mystery as if they are tapped into something the rest of us don't understand. They love the outdoors and are fed by nature. Sevens are constantly seeking to understand human nature, our place in the universe, and the mystery of life in general. This makes them quite artistic and poetic, but they are also keen observers with high intellect - so they are equally scientific-minded. Sevens are charitable and care deeply about the human condition.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME ZEPHANIAH

Zephaniah is SUPER uncommon; although it has seen some traction in recent years. This is owing to the general growing popularity of Hebrew Old Testament names (Noah, Ethan, Jacob, Elijah). Still, Zephaniah remains relatively rare and under the radar of most parents. Case in point, this name was given to a mere 123 baby boys born in the year 2014. It’s ancient and unique, and probably loaded with religious significance for the parents using it. Not to mention it has a comforting origin. After all, who doesn’t want to be protected of the Lord?  

Quick Facts

ON ZEPHANIAH

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

4

RANKING POPULARITY:

N/A

PRONUNCIATION:

ze-fə-NIE-ə

SIMPLE MEANING:

Protected of the Lord

Characteristics

OF ZEPHANIAH

Mystical

Wise

Eccentric

Intuitive

Imaginative

Philosophical

Solitary

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Zephaniah

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME ZEPHANIAH

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME ZEPHANIAH

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Zephaniah


Popular Songs

ON ZEPHANIAH

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Zephaniah


Famous People

NAMED ZEPHANIAH

We cannot find any famous people with the first name Zephaniah.

Children of Famous People

NAMED ZEPHANIAH

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Zephaniah

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME ZEPHANIAH

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Zephaniah