Zephan is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Tzofan," which means "north" or "northern." The name Zephan is believed to have been popularized by the prophet Zephaniah, who was active during the seventh century BCE in ancient Judah.
The Book of Zephaniah, one of the Twelve Minor Prophets in the Old Testament, is attributed to this prophet. In it, he delivers warnings of judgment against various nations, including Judah and its capital Jerusalem, due to their sins and idolatry.
While the name Zephan may not be as widely known or used today compared to other Hebrew names like David or Noah, it has a rich historical and cultural significance rooted in Jewish tradition. It is often associated with strength, leadership, and prophecy, as Zephaniah was renowned for his courageous declarations of truth to those in power.
In terms of its popularity, Zephan is quite rare. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, it has never appeared in the top 1000 most popular boys' names since records began in 1879. This rarity contributes to its distinctive and intriguing nature for those who choose this name.
In conclusion, Zephan is a Hebrew name with significant historical roots and meanings. It represents northern direction or the prophet Zephaniah and is associated with strength and leadership. Despite its rarity today, it remains a unique and meaningful choice for parents looking for an exceptional name for their child.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Zephan based on birth records in the United States between 1989 and 2023:
- The name Zephan first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1989, with six newborns given this name.
- Over the next few years, the number of babies named Zephan fluctuated, ranging from five to nine births per year between 1990 and 2001.
- The year 2002 marked a significant increase in popularity for the name Zephan, with fifteen births recorded. This was more than double the number of births in the previous year.
- Between 2005 and 2007, there was a notable peak in popularity for the name Zephan. During these three years, the number of babies named Zephan increased from twenty-two to thirty births per year.
- After 2007, the popularity of the name Zephan seemed to stabilize, with the number of annual births ranging between ten and twenty-three until 2015.
- In recent years, the number of newborns named Zephan has been relatively consistent, with an average of around fifteen to sixteen births per year from 2016 to 2023.
In total, there have been 511 babies named Zephan in the United States between 1989 and 2023.