Zipporah

Girl Name #2,886 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A rare biblical bird name with quiet grace

Hebrew Jewish Christian Ethiopian

Spiritual Unique Vintage Literary Elegant

Meaning & Origin

"bird, sparrow"

Origin: Hebrew

Language: English

"little bird"

Origin: Biblical Hebrew

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Zipporah

Zipporah (also spelled Tzipporah) is a Hebrew name meaning 'bird' or 'sparrow', from the Hebrew word 'tzipor' meaning bird. In the Bible, Zipporah was the Midianite wife of Moses and daughter of the priest Jethro (also called Reuel). She is one of the few women in the Hebrew Bible with a major narrative role, notably saving Moses's life in a dramatic midnight circumcision episode. Her name evokes freedom, song, and the wild beauty of birds.

Zipporah has remained a niche name primarily used in observant Jewish families, particularly those with Ashkenazi heritage who name children after deceased relatives. It has never appeared in US top-1000 rankings. In modern Israel, the Hebrew form Tzippora/Tzipora is more common and is sometimes shortened to Tzipi.

In the Hebrew Bible, Zipporah occupies a fascinating position as the Midianite wife who integrated into the Israelite story. She is honored in Jewish tradition as one of the righteous women who helped sustain the Hebrew people. In Ethiopian Jewish (Beta Israel) tradition, Moses's Kushite wife is celebrated as well. The name is also borne by the daughter of Bob Dylan and Sara Dylan.

Fun Facts

In the Bible, Zipporah saved Moses's life in the mysterious 'bridegroom of blood' passage (Exodus 4:24-26)
Zipporah Dylan, daughter of Bob Dylan and Sara Lownds, is a modern famous bearer of this name
In modern Israel, Tzipi (from Tzippora) is a popular political nickname — Tzipi Livni served as Israeli Foreign Minister

Zipporah in Other Languages

Arabic صفورة (Saffura)

Hebrew צִפּוֹרָה (Tzippora)

Amharic ፅፖራ

Spanish Séfora

Yiddish Tzipa

Famous People Named Zipporah

Zipporah Dylan

Other

1966

Daughter of musician Bob Dylan and Sara Dylan

Tzipi Livni

Politician

1958

Israeli politician, former Foreign Minister and peace negotiator (Tzipi is a diminutive of Tzippora/Zipporah)

Zipporah (Biblical figure)

Religious

Wife of Moses and daughter of the Midianite priest Jethro in the Hebrew Bible; considered righteous for saving Moses's l...

Wife of Moses and daughter of the Midianite priest Jethro in the Hebrew Bible; considered righteous for saving Moses's life

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #2,886
Total SSA Count: 57
Cultural Origins: Hebrew Jewish Christian Ethiopian
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Formal
Cross-Cultural Ease: Low

Common Nicknames

Zippy Zippi Pora

Pairs Well With

Zipporah Grace Zipporah Faith Zipporah Hannah Zipporah Ruth Zipporah Naomi Zipporah Miriam

Sibling Names

Miriam Rebekah Naomi Elijah Caleb Moses Hannah

Similar Names

Flora Rebecca Augusta Zora Norah Aura Ellora Orla

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

Can't decide?

Start a tournament bracket with Zipporah and other names you're considering.

Start a Tournament

Like this name?

Check how Zipporah sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.

Analyze This Name

Browse more girl names →

Explore More Generators

🧝 Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
🐾 Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
🎭 Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres

Frequently Asked Questions About Zipporah

What does the name Zipporah mean?

"bird, sparrow" (from Hebrew). "little bird" (from Biblical Hebrew). Zipporah (also spelled Tzipporah) is a Hebrew name meaning 'bird' or 'sparrow', from the Hebrew word 'tzipor' meaning bird. In the Bible, Zipporah was the Midianite wife of Moses and daughter of the priest Jethro (also called Reuel). She is one of the few women in the Hebrew Bible with a major narrative role, notably saving Moses's life in a dramatic midnight circumcision episode. Her name evokes freedom, song, and the wild beauty of birds.

What is the origin of the name Zipporah?

Zipporah has Hebrew, Biblical Hebrew, Jewish, Christian, and Ethiopian origins. In Hebrew, it means "bird, sparrow". In Biblical Hebrew, it means "little bird".

Is Zipporah a boy or girl name?

Zipporah is primarily used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Zipporah?

Zipporah is currently ranked #2886 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Zipporah?

Common nicknames for Zipporah include Zippy, Zippi, and Pora.

What are good middle names for Zipporah?

Popular middle name pairings include Zipporah Grace, Zipporah Faith, Zipporah Hannah, Zipporah Ruth, Zipporah Naomi, and Zipporah Miriam.

What are good sibling names for Zipporah?

Names that pair well with Zipporah as siblings include Miriam, Rebekah, Naomi, Elijah, Caleb, Moses, and Hannah.

How many syllables does Zipporah have?

Zipporah has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Zipporah a common or rare name?

Zipporah is an uncommon name, ranked #2886 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Zipporah

Zipporah is a girl name with Hebrew, Jewish, Christian, and Ethiopian origins . The name means "bird, sparrow" in Hebrew .

Zipporah is currently ranked #2,886 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Zipporah has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Zipporah include Zippy, Zippi, and Pora. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.