Zephaniah
Meaning of Zephaniah
Zephaniah is a distinctive and historical name of Hebrew origin, meaning "God has hidden" or "God has treasured." Pronounced as zef-uh-NYE-uh (/zɛfəˈnaɪə/), this name carries a rich biblical heritage, being notably borne by one of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. Zephaniah's prophetic writings emphasized themes of judgment and redemption, adding a profound spiritual dimension to the name. Common variations include Zeph and Zephania, offering more casual or alternative forms. Though not widely popular, Zephaniah has seen consistent use in the United States over the past few decades, with its occurrence peaking in 2019 when it ranked 1142nd among newborn boys. Its unique sound and deep-rooted significance make Zephaniah an appealing choice for parents seeking a name with both historical weight and contemporary charm.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as zef-uh-NYE-uh (/zɛfəˈnaɪə/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Notable People Named Zephaniah
| Zephaniah Kingsley Jr. was a prominent plantation owner and merchant who lived in Florida and later moved to Haiti. |
| Zephaniah Swift was a multi-talented figure in American history, serving as a congressman, judge, lawyer, diplomat, and author of the first legal treatise published in America. |
| Zephaniah Kingsley Sr. was an affluent British merchant, a loyalist during the American Revolution, and one of the founders of the University of New Brunswick, Canada's oldest English language university. |
| Zephaniah Platt was a prominent American lawyer and politician who served as Michigan Attorney General from 1841 to 1843. |
| Zephaniah Swift Moore was an influential American Congregational clergyman and educator known for his roles at Dartmouth College, Williams College, and Amherst College. |
| Zephaniah Skinner is a former Australian rules footballer who played for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League. |
| Zephaniah Turner Jr. - Zephaniah "Zeph" Turner Jr. was a Virginia politician who served as the Speaker of the Virginia House of Delegates from 1869 to 1871. |
