Meaning, origin, history
Zipporah is a unique and beautiful name of Hebrew origin. It translates to "bird" in English, which is fitting given its association with the biblical figure Tzipporah, who was the wife of Moses.
Tzipporah's story can be found in the Book of Exodus in the Old Testament. She was the daughter of a Midianite priest named Jethro and played a significant role in helping her husband Moses escape from Pharaoh's wrath after he killed an Egyptian soldier who was beating a Hebrew slave.
In one notable incident, when Moses and his family were on their journey to Midian, Tzipporah performed a circumcision ritual on her son Gershom. This act saved Moses' life as the angel of death passed over them, sparing them from the tenth plague that had been afflicting Egypt.
Tzipporah is also remembered for her bravery and resourcefulness during their time in Midian. She was instrumental in helping Moses establish himself among his new people and eventually reunited with him years later after he fled to escape Pharaoh's wrath again.
While Zipporah may not be as commonly used today, its rich history and unique meaning make it a special name worth considering for those looking for something distinctive yet meaningful.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Tzipporah since 1880
Total births
360
Total since 1880
Peak year
2021
20 births
in 2023
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+22%
↗
vs previous 5 years