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Zephaniah

♂ Boy

Pronounced zef-ah-NY-ah /zɛf.əˈnaɪ.ə/Low

Meaning: God has hidden, treasured of GodLow

In 30 seconds: Zephaniah is a Hebrew name meaning God has hidden or treasured of God, borne by a minor prophet of the 7th century BCE who warned of judgment and promised restoration. One of the most dramatically named Old Testament prophets.
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Origin LowHebrew
MeaningGod has hidden, treasured of God
U.S. rank (2024)#1339 ↗ Rising
2024 U.S. births143 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2019
Total births (all-time)≈ 3,254

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201919722024

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

History & Origin

Zephaniah is from Hebrew Tsefanyah meaning God has hidden or treasured. The prophet lived in the 7th century BCE during Josiah's reign.

Zephaniah is used in Christian communities who appreciate biblical depth. Its four syllables have majestic quality.

Did you know? Zephaniah 3:17 contains one of the Bible's most comforting verses: The Lord your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness. Few prophecies are more reassuring.
Overall data confidence 90%
Behind the Name: Zephaniah

Variations

ZephTsefanyah

Nicknames

ZephNiah

Famous Bearers

  • ★Zephaniah (7th century BCE)
    Hebrew minor prophet and author of the Book of Zephaniah, active during the reign of King Josiah

If you like Zephaniah…

Ezekiel— Hebrew prophet name
Malachi— Last Old Testament prophet
Jeremiah— Hebrew prophet of same era
Obadiah— Minor prophet of same tradition

Frequently Asked

What does Zephaniah mean?

Zephaniah means God has hidden or treasured of God from Hebrew Tsefanyah.

Who was Zephaniah?

Zephaniah was a Hebrew Minor Prophet who lived in the 7th century BCE during King Josiah's reign.

How do you pronounce Zephaniah?

Zephaniah is pronounced zef-ah-NY-ah with four syllables.

What names are similar to Zephaniah?

Similar prophet names include Ezekiel, Malachi, and Jeremiah.