Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Help
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • Start a New Tree
      • Person Preview
      • Membership
      • Family Trees Support
      Loading
      • Search All Records
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Directories & Member Lists
      • Public Member Trees
      • Convict, Criminal, Land & Wills
      • Member Search
      • Card Catalogue
      Loading
      • StoryScout
      Loading
      • Buy a DNA Kit
      • Register a Kit
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Discover More Family Names with an Ancestry 14-day Free Trial* 
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Ancestry Blog
      • Gift Memberships
      • Site Map
      • © 2006-2026 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Cookies
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company
      Group of people

      Meaning of the first name Zilpah

      Origin

      Hebrew, Biblical origin

      Meaning

      Drooping or a branch.

      Variations

      Zillah, Zilpha, Zilpher
      The name Zilpah has its origins in Hebrew, derived from the Bible, where it is associated with one of the lesser-known figures in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, Zilpah (זִלְפָּה) is thought to mean "drooping" or "to drip," which can be interpreted in various ways depending on the context. The name is closely linked to the narrative of Jacob and his family, particularly as one of the two concubines of Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelites. Zilpah was the maidservant of Leah, Jacob's first wife, and through her, Zilpah bore two sons, Gad and Asher, who became significant figures in the lineage of the Israelite tribes.

      Culturally, Zilpah holds significance primarily within Jewish tradition, where biblical names are often imbued with historical and spiritual weight. The story of Zilpah, though less prominent than that of her contemporaries, reflects themes of family dynamics, loyalty, and the complexities of relationships in the context of ancient customs surrounding marriage and procreation. In Jewish texts, Zilpah's role as a matriarch contributes to the broader narrative of the twelve tribes of Israel, which are central to Jewish identity and heritage.

      Historically, the name Zilpah has been relatively rare compared to more prominent biblical names, such as Rachel or Leah. Its usage has fluctuated over centuries, often reflecting trends in naming practices among Jewish communities and, to a lesser extent, among Christian populations that draw from the Old Testament for inspiration. The name's rarity may also be attributed to its association with a secondary character in the biblical account, which can sometimes make it less appealing to parents seeking more well-known names for their children.

      In modern times, Zilpah is still not widely used as a first name, but it may appear in various forms or adaptations in different cultures. The name has been incorporated into some literary works and artistic expressions, where it serves as a symbol of resilience and the often-overlooked contributions of women in historical narratives. The biblical Zilpah is sometimes referenced in discussions about the roles of women in biblical times, highlighting the complexities and challenges they faced within patriarchal societies.

      Notable individuals named Zilpah are not extensively documented in contemporary history. The name's significance largely remains within the confines of biblical literature, and it does not feature prominently among widely recognized figures in modern contexts. However, there have been instances of individuals bearing the name in various communities, especially among those with Jewish heritage, where names from the Hebrew Bible are cherished and passed down through generations.

      Overall, the name Zilpah embodies a connection to ancient narratives and cultural identities, representing an intriguing aspect of biblical history and its continued influence on naming practices today. While it may not be a common name in current times, Zilpah's story and the implications of her life resonate within the broader framework of the biblical narrative, emphasizing the importance of all figures, regardless of their prominence in historical accounts.

      Based on our records...

      Smith

      This is the most common surname associated with Zilpah.

      William

      This is the most common name of those married to a Zilpah.

      William

      This is the most common name for a child of a Zilpah.
      Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. - © Mapbox - © OpenStreetMap - Improve this map

      What are you curious about?

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Start a free trial
      Order AncestryDNA
      Based on our records...

      Did you know?

      1881 is when there were the most people born with the first name Zilpah.

      Explore the origins of another name.