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Home › Baby Names Directory › Japhet

Japhet

♂ Boy

Pronounced JAY-fet /ˈdʒeɪ.fɛt/Medium

Meaning: A spelling of Japheth, Hebrew Yefet, usually read as 'may he expand' or 'enlargement' (from patah / yaft). In the Hebrew Bible, Japheth is one of the three sons of Noah.Medium

In 30 seconds: A biblical name with room in it: Japhet is a form of Japheth, 'may he expand' — a son of Noah (said 'JAY-fet').
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Origin MediumHebrew
MeaningA spelling of Japheth, Hebrew Yefet, usually read as 'may he expand' or 'enlargement' (from patah / yaft). In the Hebrew Bible, Japheth is one of the three sons of Noah.
U.S. rank (2024)#13045 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births5 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2015
Total births (all-time)≈ 270

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201519792024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Japhet is a form of Japheth, Hebrew Yefet, commonly glossed 'may he expand' or 'enlargement'. In Genesis he is a son of Noah, and later writers tied his line to the peoples of the north and west. The shorter spelling Japhet is the usual one in French and several other European Bible traditions (said 'JAY-fet').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely for boys. Rare, biblical, and open-sounding.

Did you know? Japheth is one of the three sons of Noah in the Hebrew Bible, and his name is usually read as 'may he expand' — a wish for wide horizons. Japhet is the trimmer spelling, used in French and other European Bibles (said 'JAY-fet').
Overall data confidence 58%
References — Japhet — Hebrew Yefet / Japheth, son of Noah; 'may he expand'

Variations

JaphethYefetJafet

Nicknames

JayJaf

Famous Bearers

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Japhet mean?

Japhet is a form of the Hebrew name Japheth, usually read as 'may he expand' or 'enlargement'.

How do you pronounce Japhet?

It's said JAY-fet /ˈdʒeɪ.fɛt/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Japhet a boy or girl name?

Japhet is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Japhet?

Japhet is a rare name for boys in the U.S.

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