Jephte
A boy's name of Hebrew origin with 38 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
Jephte peaked during the Gen Alpha era, when 8 babies received this name in a single year (2022). That era was defined by creative, boundary-pushing naming, and Jephte has a more concentrated history, reflecting a specific cultural moment rather than a broad generational wave.
Jephte is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Jephte is a boy's baby name of Hebrew origin, a French-influenced form of Jephthah, from the Hebrew Yiftāḥ, meaning 'he opens' or 'God opens.' In the Bible, Jephthah was a judge of Israel renowned for his military leadership, though his story also contains one of Scripture's most poignant and tragic vows.
Jephte preserves the ancient judge's name in a French creole form, used particularly in Haitian communities, where it carries the weight of Old Testament heroism and deep faith.
EtymologyShow more
Phonetically, Jephte belongs to a cluster of names characterized by their open, approachable ending — ending on a vowel softens the overall impression. At one syllable, it has a punchy, memorable cadence that makes an immediate impression.
Within the Hebrew naming tradition, names with similar sound structures often share underlying etymological patterns. Exploring Hebrew names on this site may surface connections that illuminate Jephte’s linguistic neighborhood.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Jephte has 7+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1988.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 8 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 10 | — |
| 2000s | 10 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 5 | — |
| 1980s | 5 | — |
The Story of Jephte
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2022, Jephte is a fresh, modern favorite. Boys named Jephte are most likely born between 2012 and 2022.
How rare is Jephte?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Jephte is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1988, peaked in the 2000s with 10 births that decade, and continues to thrive.
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(7 years, 1988–2022)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 8 | #9369 |
| 2019 | 5 | #13003 |
| 2011 | 5 | #13208 |
| 2007 | 5 | #13256 |
| 2001 | 5 | #11355 |
| 1996 | 5 | #9674 |
| 1988 | 5 | #7824 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Jephte a boy's or girl's name?
When was Jephte most popular?
How popular is the name Jephte?
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1988–2022