Japheth
Japheth: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈd͡ʒeɪfɛθ/ · /ˈd͡ʒeɪfɪθ/
Meaning and origin of Japheth
- A male given name from Hebrew of biblical origin.
Etymology
From Middle English Jafeth (as attested in Wycliffe's Bible), from Old English Iafeth (see e.g. Aelfric of Eynsham) and Middle French Japhet, both from Late Latin Iaphet, Iafeth, from Koine Greek Ἰάφεθ (Iápheth), from Hebrew יֶפֶת (yépheth). Further origin uncertain; folk etymology as well as rabbinical and patristic claims usually point to a meaning like "enlarged", in reference to Genesis 9:27, or "fair" (pale, in reference to complexion).
How popular is Japheth?
Since 1880, 1,387 boys in the U.S. have been named Japheth. Its highest rank for boys was #1841 in 1983. In 2025, 34 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
More Hebrew boy names
Sibling name ideas for Japheth
Sister and brother names that share Japheth's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Japheth FAQ
What does the name Japheth mean?
A male given name from Hebrew of biblical origin. From Middle English Jafeth (as attested in Wycliffe's Bible), from Old English Iafeth (see e.g. Aelfric of Eynsham) and Middle French Japhet, both from Late Latin Iaphet, Iafeth, from Koine Greek Ἰάφεθ (Iápheth), from Hebrew יֶפֶת (yépheth). Further origin uncertain; folk etymology as well as rabbinical and patristic claims usually point to a meaning like "enlarged", in reference to Genesis 9:27, or "fair" (pale, in reference to complexion).
What is the origin of the name Japheth?
Japheth is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Japheth?
Since 1880, 1,387 boys in the U.S. have been named Japheth. Its highest rank for boys was #1841 in 1983. In 2025, 34 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Japheth a boy or girl name?
Japheth is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 0 girls and 1,387 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.