Zipporah

Zipporah is a feminine name of Hebrew origin, best known from the Old Testament as the wife of Moses. The name derives from the Hebrew tsippor (צִפּוֹר), meaning "bird."

Biblical Context

In the Book of Exodus, Zipporah is introduced as one of the seven daughters of Jethro (also called Reuel), a priest of Midian. After Moses fled Egypt, he helped Zipporah and her sisters water their flocks, and Jethro gave her to Moses in marriage. She became the mother of two sons: Gershom and Eliezer. According to Exodus 4:24–26, Zipporah famously saved Moses' life by circumcising their son, after which God's threat against Moses passed.

Cultural Significance

Zipporah is a rare instance of a named female figure in the Pentateuch who is not an Israelite by birth—she was a Midianite—yet she is portrayed positively as a resourceful and decisive woman. Her name's avian meaning may symbolize beauty or swiftness.

Variants and Forms

Hebrew modern variants include Tzipora and Tziporah (Tzipora, Tziporah). In the Septuagint (Greek Old Testament), her name appears as Sepphora, and Latin forms include Seffora. The French equivalent is Séphora.

Notable Bearers

Though less common in English-speaking countries, the name is used among Jewish and Christian communities who value biblical names. Notable historical bearers include a 13th-century princess of Cashel identified in Irish legend as the wife of a high king, though this connection is tenuous (more commonly associated with the biblical figure).

• Meaning: Bird
• Origin: Hebrew
• Type: First name
• Usage: Hebrew, English Bible, Jewish, Christian