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Tzipora

♀ Girl

Pronounced tzee-POR-ah /t͡siˈpɔː.rɑː/High

Meaning: From Hebrew tzipor (צִפּוֹר) meaning 'bird'; the name means 'little bird' or simply 'bird'High

In 30 seconds: Tzipora is an ancient Hebrew name meaning 'bird,' most famous as the name of Moses's wife in the Bible. It is beloved in traditional Jewish and Israeli communities.
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Origin HighHebrew
MeaningFrom Hebrew tzipor (צִפּוֹר) meaning 'bird'; the name means 'little bird' or simply 'bird'
U.S. rank (2024)#3004 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births55 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2024
Total births (all-time)≈ 1,278

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202419702024

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

History & Origin

Tzipora (also spelled Tzipporah or Zipporah) comes from the Hebrew tzipor (צִפּוֹר), meaning 'bird.' It is one of the oldest Hebrew female names in the biblical canon, belonging to Tzipporah, the Midianite wife of Moses, who appears in the Book of Exodus. She is remembered as a strong, protective figure who circumcised her son to protect Moses from divine wrath.

The name Tzipora has been used continuously in Jewish communities since antiquity and remains popular in Israel today. Different transliterations — Zipporah, Tzippora, Tzipora — reflect various Jewish traditions and languages. In Israel, it is often shortened to Tzipi, a common nickname. Its biblical pedigree and crisp, nature-inspired meaning keep it in steady use.

Did you know? In the Book of Exodus, Tzipporah (Tzipora) was the daughter of the Midianite priest Jethro — making her both the wife of Moses and a woman of a non-Israelite priestly lineage, a detail that has fascinated biblical scholars for centuries.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name – Tzipporah — Hebrew etymology and biblical referencesBook of Exodus (Bible) — Primary biblical source for the name bearer

Variations

TzipporahZipporahZipporaTzipi

Nicknames

TzipiZipiPori

Famous Bearers

  • ★Zipporah (Tzipora) (biblical era)
    Biblical figure in the Book of Exodus, the daughter of Jethro and wife of Moses.
  • ★Tzipi Livni (1958–present)
    Israeli politician, diplomat and lawyer who served as Foreign Minister of Israel; Tzipi is a short form of Tzipora.

If you like Tzipora…

Pessy— traditional Jewish girl name used in observant communities
Chaya— Hebrew girl name popular in traditional Jewish communities
Miriam— biblical Hebrew sister of Moses — same scriptural era
Rivka— Hebrew form of Rebecca, another matriarchal biblical name
Leah— biblical Hebrew girl name of similar antiquity and usage

Frequently Asked

What does the name Tzipora mean?

Tzipora means 'bird' in Hebrew, derived from tzipor (צִפּוֹר). It suggests freedom, lightness, and grace.

How do you pronounce Tzipora?

Tzipora is pronounced tzee-POR-ah (/t͡siˈpɔː.rɑː/), with stress on the second syllable.

Is Tzipora a boy or girl name?

Tzipora is a girl name with no history of use for boys.

How popular is Tzipora?

Tzipora is popular in Israel and in traditional Jewish communities worldwide; it is rare outside those communities.