The name Zipporah has its origins in Hebrew, derived from the word "tzipor" meaning "bird". It is a feminine name that first appeared in the biblical Book of Exodus, referring to the wife of Moses.

In the Hebrew Bible, Zipporah was a Midianite woman who became the wife of Moses after he fled Egypt. She is credited with saving Moses' life by circumcising their son when God sought to kill Moses for failing to perform the ritual. Zipporah's role in the story highlights the significance of the name and its association with the preservation of life.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zipporah appears in the Septuagint, the earliest Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, dating back to the 3rd century BCE. The name is also mentioned in various Midrashic texts, which are ancient Jewish commentaries on the Hebrew scriptures.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zipporah. One of the earliest recorded examples is Zipporah Nunes Bais (1645-1701), a Dutch-Jewish writer and poet who was one of the first female literary figures in the Netherlands.

Another notable Zipporah was Zipporah Potter Cushman Colburn (1788-1875), an American author and educator who wrote several popular books on domestic economy and household management in the 19th century.

In the 20th century, Zipporah Batnitsky (1904-1976) was a Russian-American writer and Holocaust survivor who authored the memoir "A Life Reborn" recounting her experiences during World War II.

Zipporah Mirai (1921-2005) was a renowned Israeli artist and sculptor known for her abstract and modernist works, many of which are displayed in museums and public spaces throughout Israel.

More recently, Zipporah Joseph (born 1960) is a British author and academic who has written extensively on issues of race, gender, and identity in contemporary literature and culture.

These are just a few examples of individuals who have carried the name Zipporah throughout history, highlighting its enduring presence and significance across various cultures and time periods.