Find out how popular the first name Jafet has been for the last 38 years (from 1986 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Jafet by gender

Based on the last 38 years of data, Jafet is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 46 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Jafet.

The history of the first name Jafet

The name Jafet is derived from the Hebrew name Yefet, which is believed to have originated from the root word "nafah," meaning "to be open" or "to spread out." This name has its roots in ancient Semitic culture and can be traced back to biblical times.

Jafet is mentioned in the Book of Genesis as one of the three sons of Noah, along with Shem and Ham. According to the biblical account, Jafet and his descendants were responsible for populating the lands north of the Mediterranean Sea and the Black Sea regions. This association with Jafet's biblical heritage has contributed to the enduring significance of this name throughout history.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Jafet was Jafet ben Ali, a prominent Jewish scholar and philosopher who lived in the 10th century CE in present-day Iraq. He is renowned for his contributions to the field of Islamic philosophy and his influential work on the reconciliation of Jewish and Islamic thought.

In the 12th century, Jafet ben Natan, a renowned Jewish scholar from Spain, gained recognition for his grammatical works and biblical commentaries. His interpretations of the Hebrew Bible were widely studied and had a lasting impact on Jewish scholarship during the Golden Age of Jewish culture in Spain.

During the 16th century, Jafet Barzilai, an Italian Jewish scholar and physician, made significant contributions to the field of medicine. He was also known for his expertise in Hebrew grammar and his translations of medical texts from Arabic into Latin.

In the 19th century, Jafet Schwarz, a German-Jewish painter and lithographer, gained recognition for his portraits and lithographic works depicting prominent figures of his time. His artistic legacy left a lasting imprint on the cultural landscape of 19th-century Germany.

Another notable figure was Jafet Hacohen, a prominent Israeli politician and lawyer who played a crucial role in the establishment of the State of Israel. He served as a member of the Israeli Knesset (parliament) and held various ministerial positions, including Minister of Justice and Minister of the Interior.

These are just a few examples of the individuals who have borne the name Jafet throughout history, each leaving their mark in various fields, ranging from religion and scholarship to art and politics. The name's enduring presence across multiple cultures and time periods highlights its rich historical significance and cultural resonance.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Jafet was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Jafet, please contact us.

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