Japhet
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 270 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Japheth (Biblical character)
Japhet is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a variant of Japheth, from the Hebrew Yefet, meaning 'expansion,' 'enlargement,' or 'beauty.' In Genesis, Japheth was one of the three sons of Noah, considered an ancestor of the peoples of Europe and Asia. He and his wife were among those saved in the Ark.
Japhet is ancient and quietly dignified — a name from the very earliest pages of Genesis, carried by one of humanity's biblical ancestors.
EtymologyShow more
In the American context, Japhet is a boy's name with several decades of recorded use (1979–2024). Its Hebrew roots connect it to a broader naming tradition, but in practice, American usage often reshapes names — adding nicknames, shifting pronunciation, and building new associations that diverge from the original cultural context.
Today, Japhet is an active part of the American naming landscape (ranked #13045), continuing to accumulate its own cultural meaning with each new child who carries it.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Japhet was #10532 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #13045, but its charm endures.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 38 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 91 | — |
| 2000s | 101 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 16 | ▼ |
| 1980s | 18 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 6 | — |
The Story of Japhet
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2015, Japhet is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Japhet are most likely born between 2005 and 2024.
How rare is Japhet?
Only about 1 in every 720,000 babies born in 2024 was named Japhet — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1979, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 2000s with 101 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Japhet by the numbers
- Would fill 6 school buses
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(32 years, 1979–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | #13045 |
| 2023 | 10 | #7950 |
| 2022 | 7 | #10252 |
| 2021 | 10 | #7825 |
| 2020 | 6 | #11180 |
| 2019 | 10 | #7885 |
| 2018 | 6 | #11364 |
| 2017 | 8 | #9204 |
| 2016 | 11 | #7344 |
| 2015 | 16 | #5612 |
| 2014 | 9 | #8424 |
| 2013 | 12 | #6777 |
| 2012 | 8 | #9220 |
| 2011 | 5 | #13139 |
| 2010 | 6 | #11330 |
| 2009 | 13 | #6588 |
| 2008 | 12 | #6932 |
| 2007 | 12 | #6818 |
| 2006 | 11 | #7135 |
| 2005 | 11 | #6835 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Japhet a boy's or girl's name?
When was Japhet most popular?
How popular is the name Japhet?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1979–2024