Jephtha: a male name of Hebrew origin meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens".It derives from the Hebrew word "yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ".
Jephtha is a masculine name that means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens". Its Hebrew origins reflect deep cultural values and traditions that have been passed down through generations. Parents choosing this name often appreciate its profound significance and timeless appeal.
Quick Facts About Jephtha
Quick facts about Jephtha
Origin
Hebrew
Gender
Boy name
Popularity
Moderately popular
Researched by Name Doctor Linguistics Team
Our names are verified by professional linguists with expertise in etymology and cultural naming traditions.
Last reviewed: November 2025
Meaning
This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens.” Jephthah appears in the Book of Judges as a judge over Israel for six years (Judges 12:7). He lived in Gilead and was a member of either the tribe of Manasseh or the tribe of Gad. Jephthah led the Israelites in the battle against Ammon and, after defeating the Ammonites, fulfilled a rash vow of his by sacrificing his daughter. Traditionally, Jephthah is listed among significant judges on the ground of the biblical narrative’s length referring to him. Still, his story also shows signs of minor judges, for instance, only six years duration of his office as judge.
Etymology & Details
Name Root
yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ
Other Scripts
Hebrew (יִפְתָּח)
How to Pronounce Jephtha
Jephtha is pronounced /ˈdʒɛf.θə/(Hebrew)
Step-by-step pronunciation guide:
Break it into syllables: Jep-hth-a
Say it like: "JEP-HTH-A"
Practice saying it naturally a few times
✓Pronunciation verified by linguistic sources
Usage & Popularity
Jephtha is predominantly used in hebrew speaking communities, where it maintains strong cultural connections and traditional significance.
hebrew
Frequently Asked Questions About Jephtha
What does the name Jephtha mean?
Jephtha means "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens.” Jephthah appears in the Book of Judges as a judge over Israel for six years (Judges 12:7). He lived in Gilead and was a member of either the tribe of Manasseh or the tribe of Gad. Jephthah led the Israelites in the battle against Ammon and, after defeating the Ammonites, fulfilled a rash vow of his by sacrificing his daughter. Traditionally, Jephthah is listed among significant judges on the ground of the biblical narrative’s length referring to him. Still, his story also shows signs of minor judges, for instance, only six years duration of his office as judge.". The name comes from yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ. In its original form, the name derives from Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ (יִפְתָּח). This hebrew name has been passed down through generations, carrying its meaning across different cultures and time periods. Parents who choose Jephtha for boys often connect with the name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens.” Jephthah appears in the Book of Judges as a judge over Israel for six years (Judges 12:7). He lived in Gilead and was a member of either the tribe of Manasseh or the tribe of Gad. Jephthah led the Israelites in the battle against Ammon and, after defeating the Ammonites, fulfilled a rash vow of his by sacrificing his daughter. Traditionally, Jephthah is listed among significant judges on the ground of the biblical narrative’s length referring to him. Still, his story also shows signs of minor judges, for instance, only six years duration of his office as judge." as a quality they hope to see in their child. While not the most common choice, Jephtha's meaningful roots have given it staying power among parents looking for a name with substance. The name is associated with qualities like BIBLICAL, reflecting its meaning in how people perceive those who carry it.
What is the origin of the name Jephtha?
Jephtha is a hebrew name. The name traces back to yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ. The original form Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ (יִפְתָּח) shows the name's roots in its native language. In its native script, Jephtha is written as Hebrew (יִפְתָּח). The name remains closely tied to hebrew naming traditions while occasionally appearing in other cultures. The hebrew meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens.” Jephthah appears in the Book of Judges as a judge over Israel for six years (Judges 12:7). He lived in Gilead and was a member of either the tribe of Manasseh or the tribe of Gad. Jephthah led the Israelites in the battle against Ammon and, after defeating the Ammonites, fulfilled a rash vow of his by sacrificing his daughter. Traditionally, Jephthah is listed among significant judges on the ground of the biblical narrative’s length referring to him. Still, his story also shows signs of minor judges, for instance, only six years duration of his office as judge." reflects values important in the culture where this name first appeared.
Is Jephtha a boy or girl name?
Jephtha is a boy's name. The name has been used for boys across many generations, maintaining its masculine character through different eras and cultures. In hebrew tradition, Jephtha has historically been given to boys. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens.” Jephthah appears in the Book of Judges as a judge over Israel for six years (Judges 12:7). He lived in Gilead and was a member of either the tribe of Manasseh or the tribe of Gad. Jephthah led the Israelites in the battle against Ammon and, after defeating the Ammonites, fulfilled a rash vow of his by sacrificing his daughter. Traditionally, Jephthah is listed among significant judges on the ground of the biblical narrative’s length referring to him. Still, his story also shows signs of minor judges, for instance, only six years duration of his office as judge." carries well for a son, giving the name lasting appeal.
How do you pronounce Jephtha?
Jephtha is pronounced "/ˈdʒɛf.θə/". This pronunciation follows he language patterns. In its original script, the name appears as Hebrew (יִפְתָּח), which helps explain how native speakers pronounce it. As a single-syllable name, Jephtha is quick to say and easy to call out. If you're unfamiliar with hebrew names, listening to a native speaker say Jephtha can help you catch the right rhythm and emphasis. The name's root yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ influences how Jephtha sounds in its original language.
How popular is the name Jephtha?
Jephtha is somewhat common, familiar to most people. With moderate popularity, Jephtha offers familiarity without being everywhere. It's the kind of name people recognize but don't hear every day. Jephtha's popularity may vary between hebrew communities and the broader population, where naming trends differ. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens.” Jephthah appears in the Book of Judges as a judge over Israel for six years (Judges 12:7). He lived in Gilead and was a member of either the tribe of Manasseh or the tribe of Gad. Jephthah led the Israelites in the battle against Ammon and, after defeating the Ammonites, fulfilled a rash vow of his by sacrificing his daughter. Traditionally, Jephthah is listed among significant judges on the ground of the biblical narrative’s length referring to him. Still, his story also shows signs of minor judges, for instance, only six years duration of his office as judge." likely influences its appeal, as parents often choose names that express values or hopes for their children. Among boys' names, Jephtha holds its own, appealing to parents who value distinctive options.
Where is the name Jephtha commonly used?
Jephtha is used primarily in hebrew naming traditions. The name originated in hebrew culture and spread as people migrated and cultures exchanged ideas. The meaning "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens.” Jephthah appears in the Book of Judges as a judge over Israel for six years (Judges 12:7). He lived in Gilead and was a member of either the tribe of Manasseh or the tribe of Gad. Jephthah led the Israelites in the battle against Ammon and, after defeating the Ammonites, fulfilled a rash vow of his by sacrificing his daughter. Traditionally, Jephthah is listed among significant judges on the ground of the biblical narrative’s length referring to him. Still, his story also shows signs of minor judges, for instance, only six years duration of his office as judge." carries universal appeal, helping explain why different cultures adopted Jephtha into their naming traditions. A child named Jephtha will likely find their name recognized in multiple countries, which can be an advantage for families with international connections or who value global accessibility. Across these cultures, Jephtha is given to boys, maintaining consistent gender association.
What is the cultural significance of Jephtha?
Jephtha carries associations with BIBLICAL. These qualities shape how people perceive the name and those who carry it, creating expectations and first impressions. The name's meaning of "This name derives from the Hebrew “Yiphtâch / Yifthaḥ,” meaning “he opens.” Jephthah appears in the Book of Judges as a judge over Israel for six years (Judges 12:7). He lived in Gilead and was a member of either the tribe of Manasseh or the tribe of Gad. Jephthah led the Israelites in the battle against Ammon and, after defeating the Ammonites, fulfilled a rash vow of his by sacrificing his daughter. Traditionally, Jephthah is listed among significant judges on the ground of the biblical narrative’s length referring to him. Still, his story also shows signs of minor judges, for instance, only six years duration of his office as judge." reinforces these associations, connecting the literal translation to the character traits people expect. In hebrew culture, where Jephtha originates, these qualities held particular value, making the name a way to express hopes for a child's character. Research shows that names do influence perceptions. People form impressions based on names before meeting someone, which means choosing Jephtha sets certain expectations. Parents choosing Jephtha often connect with one or more of these associations, selecting the name because it represents qualities they value or wish for their child. In hebrew communities, these associations may carry extra weight, as naming traditions often reinforce cultural values.
Sources: Etymology verified through linguistic research including Oxford Dictionary of First Names, Behind the Name, and academic etymology databases.