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Home › Baby Names Directory › Neftali

Neftali

♂ Boy

Pronounced nef-TAH-lee /nɛfˈtɑ.li/Medium

Meaning: Latino form of Naphtali — Hebrew Naftali, 'my struggle, my wrestling' — a son of JacobMedium

In 30 seconds: Biblical and Latino-bright: Neftali is the Spanish Naphtali — 'my struggle' — a son of Jacob (and poet Neftalí, Pablo Neruda's real name). Strong and storied.
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Origin MediumHebrew, Spanish
MeaningLatino form of Naphtali — Hebrew Naftali, 'my struggle, my wrestling' — a son of Jacob
U.S. rank (2025)#2785 ↗ Rising
2025 U.S. births46 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2003
Total births (all-time)≈ 2,289

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 200319532025

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

Neftali is a Latino form of Naphtali — from Hebrew Naftali, 'my struggle, my wrestling' (a son of Jacob, and a tribe of Israel). Borne by poet Neftalí Reyes (Pablo Neruda), it's a strong, storied name.

In the U.S. it appears in Latino families. Rare, my-struggle at the root, and storied.

Did you know? Naphtali, a son of Jacob, means 'my struggle, my wrestling' (Leah's contest with Rachel) — Pablo Neruda's real first name was Neftalí; a strong, storied name.
Overall data confidence 78%
Behind the Name — Naphtali — root etymology

Variations

NaphtaliNaftaliNeftalí

Nicknames

Nef

Famous Bearers

  • ★Neftali Feliz (1988-)
    Dominican professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball, notably for the Texas Rangers
  • ★Neftali Reyes
    birth name of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda, who used Neftali as his given name before adopting his pen name

If you like Neftali…

Naftali— the Hebrew form
Ruben— another tribe-name
Levi— a fellow son-of-Jacob name
Naftuli— echoes that soft -li sound
Nathanial— another biblical pick

Explore names like Neftali

By themehebrewspanishbiblical

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Neftali mean?

Neftali is the Latino Naphtali — Hebrew 'my struggle, my wrestling'.

How do you pronounce Neftali?

It's said nef-TAH-lee /nɛfˈtɑ.li/ — three syllables, stress on the second.

Is Neftali a boy or girl name?

Neftali is a boy's name.

How popular is Neftali?

Neftali is a rare name in the U.S.

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