"bird, little bird"
Tzipora
Moses's courageous wife — a biblical name meaning 'little bird'
Meaning & Origin
"female bird"
The Story of Tzipora
Tzipora (also spelled Zipporah) comes from the Hebrew word 'tzippor,' meaning bird. In the Hebrew Bible, Zipporah is the daughter of Jethro (the Midianite priest) and the wife of Moses. She is a strong, decisive figure — it is she who circumcises her son to save Moses's life during their journey to Egypt, an act of remarkable courage and faith.
Tzipora remains primarily used in Israeli and Orthodox Jewish communities, where biblical names are deeply valued. The nickname Tzipi is particularly common in Israel — most famously borne by Tzipi Livni, one of Israel's most prominent politicians. The name is rarely used outside Jewish communities but holds deep meaning within them.
Zipporah/Tzipora is one of the few non-Israelite women celebrated in the Hebrew Bible. As Moses's wife, she is considered a righteous and courageous figure. In Jewish tradition, she represents wisdom, loyalty, and decisive action. The bird symbolism connects the name to freedom and spirit.
Fun Facts
- Zipporah is one of the few non-Israelite women in the Bible who performs a religious act (circumcision) and is celebrated for her wisdom
- Tzipi Livni served as Israel's Foreign Minister and was the first woman to lead the Kadima party
Tzipora in Other Languages
Famous People Named Tzipora
Tzipi Livni
Politician
1958
Israeli politician who served as Foreign Minister and led the Kadima party, one of Israel's most prominent female leader...
Israeli politician who served as Foreign Minister and led the Kadima party, one of Israel's most prominent female leaders
Zipporah (biblical figure)
Religious
Wife of Moses in the Hebrew Bible, daughter of the Midianite priest Jethro, celebrated for her courage and decisive acti...
Wife of Moses in the Hebrew Bible, daughter of the Midianite priest Jethro, celebrated for her courage and decisive action
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #2,982
- Total SSA Count
- 55
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- Hard
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tzipora
What does the name Tzipora mean?
What is the origin of the name Tzipora?
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About the Name Tzipora
Tzipora is a girl name with Jewish, Israeli, and Hebrew origins . The name means "bird, little bird" in Hebrew .
Tzipora is currently ranked #2,982 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Tzipora has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Tzipora include Tzipi, Zipi, and Zippy. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Tzipora include Tziporah . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.