"bird, sparrow"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Zipporah
Does Zipporah flow with your last name?
A rare biblical bird name with quiet grace
Hebrew
Jewish
Christian
Ethiopian
Spiritual
Unique
Vintage
Literary
Elegant
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"little bird"
Origin: Biblical Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
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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.
Historical Record
Zipporah first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,516 babies have been named Zipporah in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Zipporah is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,886 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#2,886
Current Rank
Rare
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Zipporah
Z
Zipporah Dylan
Other
1966
Daughter of musician Bob Dylan and Sara Dylan
T
Tzipi Livni
Politician
1958
Israeli politician, former Foreign Minister and peace negotiator (Tzipi is a diminutive of Tzippora/Zipporah)
Z
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
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Compare Zipporah with:
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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Distinctive pick, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Zipporah
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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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.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis