Meaning & History
Tzippora is the Hebrew form of Zipporah, the biblical wife of Moses. The name is derived from the Hebrew root tsippor, meaning “bird,” evoking a sense of freedom and delicacy.
Etymology and Origin
The name Tzippora (also spelled Tzipora, Tziporah, or Zipporah) comes directly from the Hebrew word tsippor. This avian etymology is shared with other Semitic names and reflects a common naming convention in the ancient Near East, where names were often drawn from nature.
Biblical Narrative
In the Book of Exodus, Zipporah is one of the seven daughters of Jethro (also known as Reuel), a priest of Midian. When Moses fled Egypt after killing an Egyptian, he came to Midian and defended Jethro’s daughters from shepherds at a well. Grateful, Jethro gave Zipporah to Moses as a wife. She bore him two sons: Gershom and Eliezer (Exodus 18:3–4). Her notable intervention occurs in Exodus 4:24–26, where she circumcises her son to appease God during a mysterious attack on Moses, demonstrating her quick action and devotion.
Notable Bearers
While Tzippora itself is less common outside Israel, its variant Zipporah has been used in various cultures. In the Hebrew Bible, Zipporah’s grandfather through her son Eliezer, Rehabiah, is noted in 1 Chronicles 23:17. Her lineage is preserved through her sons, establishing her as a matriarch connected to both a priestly house and the leadership of the Israelites.
Cultural Significance
The name gained enduring recognition beyond Judaism, appearing in translations of the Bible. The Latin form Sepphora and Greek Seffora appear in the Vulgate and Septuagint, while the French Séphora has been used historically. Modern usage of Tzippora among Hebrew speakers maintains a direct link to this biblical figure, emphasizing heritage and faith.
- Meaning: Bird
- Origin: Hebrew
- Type: First name
- Usage Regions: Israel, Jewish diaspora, Biblical sources