Neftaly
Primarily a boy's name of Hebrew origin with 371 recorded births. Also given to 170 girls.
Meaning & Origin
When Neftaly hit its peak of 19 births in 2003, the internet was beginning to expose parents to a wider world of naming options, and pop culture influence on baby names was at an all-time high.
Today, Neftaly reads as a name tied to a specific era — which is exactly what draws some parents to it.
Neftaly is not in the current top 1,000 boy names nationally, making it an uncommon choice — though your state or community may differ.
Neftaly is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, a Spanish variant spelling of Naphtali — the son of Jacob and Bilhah in the Old Testament, whose name means 'my wrestling' or 'I have struggled' — expressing triumph after difficulty.
Naphtali is one of the twelve tribes of Israel, and the name carries that ancient, foundational weight. Neftaly's Spanish spelling makes this deeply biblical name accessible to Latin American families who want to honor this scriptural tradition.
EtymologyShow more
Neftaly is built from 7 letters and three syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Hebrew naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Neftaly creates its characteristic sharp, distinct quality. Multi-syllable names often carry remnants of compound constructions — two or more meaningful elements fused together — even when the original components are no longer transparent to modern speakers.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Neftaly has 40+ years of history in the U.S., first appearing in 1969.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Avg Rank | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 5 | #13564 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 51 | #10688 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 106 | #6991 | ▼ |
| 1990s | 125 | #5029 | ▲ |
| 1980s | 54 | #6036 | ▲ |
| 1970s | 25 | #5197 | ▲ |
| 1960s | 5 | #4823 | — |
The Story of Neftaly
A Gen Z name
Peaking in 2003, Neftaly is a name that defines a generation. Boys named Neftaly are most likely born between 1993 and 2013.
How rare is Neftaly?
With fewer than 500 recorded births, Neftaly is an exceptionally rare name — a one-of-a-kind choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1969, gained momentum through the mid-century, peaked in the 1990s with 125 births that decade, and has since become a rare, vintage choice.
Neftaly by the numbers
- Would fill 8 school buses
- Meeting one Neftaly per day would take 1 years
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(40 years, 1969–2023)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 5 | #13564 |
| 2017 | 7 | #10457 |
| 2016 | 6 | #11719 |
| 2015 | 5 | #13464 |
| 2014 | 12 | #6938 |
| 2013 | 5 | #13473 |
| 2011 | 8 | #9356 |
| 2010 | 8 | #9409 |
| 2008 | 17 | #5419 |
| 2007 | 15 | #5832 |
| 2006 | 12 | #6779 |
| 2005 | 8 | #8855 |
| 2004 | 10 | #7368 |
| 2003 | 19 | #4380 |
| 2002 | 10 | #6902 |
| 2001 | 6 | #10154 |
| 2000 | 9 | #7234 |
| 1999 | 18 | #4108 |
| 1998 | 12 | #5371 |
| 1997 | 12 | #5179 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Neftaly as a Girl's Name
Though more common for boys, Neftaly has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 170 births since 1992.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Neftaly a boy's or girl's name?
When was Neftaly most popular?
How popular is the name Neftaly?
Can Neftaly be used for both boys and girls?
Explore More
Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1969–2023