Zephaniah is a biblical name of Hebrew origin, derived from Tzefanya (צְפַנְיָה), meaning 'Yahweh has hidden' or 'concealed of/is YHWH'. The name combines the element tsafan (to hide) with yah, a shortened form of Yahweh, the Hebrew God. It is borne by several figures in the Hebrew Bible, most notably the prophet Zephaniah, who authored the Book of Zephaniah, one of the twelve minor prophets of the Old Testament. Historical and Religious Context Zephaniah prophesied during the reign of Josiah, king of Judah (640–609 BCE), a period of religious reform and turmoil. The opening verse of his book places him as the son of Cushi and a great-great-grandson of King Hezekiah, suggesting royal lineage. Jerome, the church father, interpreted the name to mean 'the watchman of the Lord', reflecting the prophet's role as a divine messenger warning of judgment and calling for repentance. In Greek, the name appears as Sophonias (in the Septuagint), while in Latin it is Sofonias, from the Vulgate. Other variant forms include Tzefanya (Biblical Hebrew) and Zephania (Southern African). The diminutive Zeph is used in English. Notable Bearers Zephaniah the prophet: Author of the Book of Zephaniah, which emphasizes the 'day of the Lord' and calls Judah to repentance. Benjamin Zephaniah (1958–2023): a prominent British Jamaican poet, writer, and musician known for his dub poetry and advocacy. Cultural Significance The name Zephaniah is primarily used in English-speaking Christian traditions, particularly among Protestant denominations. In Rastafarian culture, the prophet is considered a forerunner to Haile Selassie. Meaning: Yahweh has hidden Origin: Hebrew Type: First name Usage regions: English Bible