Is Zephaniah a boy's or girl's name?

Zephaniah is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 456 recorded births.

When was Zephaniah most popular?

Zephaniah reached its peak popularity in 2019 with 170 births that year. It is currently ranked #1339 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Zephaniah?

Zephaniah is currently ranked #1339 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 3,254 babies since 1972.

Zephaniah

An uncommon Hebrew pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsHebrewRising fast

#1339▲ 117in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A book of the Old Testament and the Hebrew Tanakh.

Zephaniah is a boy's and girl's baby name of Hebrew origin, from Tzephanyah, meaning 'hidden by God' or 'treasured by the Lord,' composed of tsaphan (to hide, to treasure) and Yah (God). Zephaniah was one of the twelve minor prophets of the Hebrew Bible.

A rare and resonant biblical name, Zephaniah carries the beautiful meaning of being God's hidden treasure — a child who is cherished and protected by the divine. The Book of Zephaniah's vision of a restored, joyful community has given the name an association with hope and restoration. For parents seeking deeply meaningful, unusual biblical names, Zephaniah is extraordinary.

Compare Zephaniah with another name

Popularity Over Time

Zephaniah climbed 380 spots in the last 20 years — from #1719 to #1339.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Zephaniah
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	644	#1422	▼
2010s	1,319	#1347	▲
2000s	846	#1660	▲
1990s	299	#2917	▲
1980s	109	#4398	▲
1970s	37	#4657	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(50 years, 1972–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Zephaniah
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	143	#1339	+18 (14.4%)
2023	125	#1456	+6 (5.0%)
2022	119	#1521	-13 (-9.8%)
2021	132	#1395	+7 (5.6%)
2020	125	#1397	-45 (-26.5%)
2019	170	#1150	+19 (12.6%)
2018	151	#1233	+13 (9.4%)
2017	138	#1312	-6 (-4.2%)
2016	144	#1273	+22 (18.0%)
2015	122	#1415	-1 (-0.8%)
2014	123	#1388	-6 (-4.7%)
2013	129	#1335	+12 (10.3%)
2012	117	#1427	0
2011	117	#1424	+9 (8.3%)
2010	108	#1516	-1 (-0.9%)
2009	109	#1528	-12 (-9.9%)
2008	121	#1407	+12 (11.0%)
2007	109	#1476	+18 (19.8%)
2006	91	#1604	+6 (7.1%)
2005	85	#1618	+10 (13.3%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Zephaniah as a Girl's Name

Though more common for boys, Zephaniah has a notable history as a girl's name too, with 456 births since 1996.

#7933

Current rank

456

Total births

2016

Peak year

Compare Zephaniah as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Zephaniah be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Zephaniah is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1339. As a girl's name, it ranks #7933.

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1972–2024) · Methodology