Shem
The Israeli Names Portal

זלפה


Meaning of the name זלפה

Zilpah is an ancient and biblical Hebrew name with special significance and profound historical depth. The name appears in the Bible as that of Leah's handmaid, wife of Jacob the Patriarch, who was given to Leah by her father Laban when she married Jacob. Zilpah became the mother of two of the twelve tribes of Israel - Gad and Asher - and thus occupied a central place in the history of the Jewish people. The literal meaning of the name is connected to the root "zalaf" which means dripping, pouring, or gentle flowing, like drops of water rising slowly and delicately. Some see in the name also a connection to the word "zal'afah" meaning trembling, anger, or wrath, but the more accepted interpretation connects it to gentleness and soft flow. In the biblical context, Zilpah represents a figure of loyalty, humility, and an important role in the family structure of the Patriarchs. Despite her status as a handmaid, she was honored and recognized as the mother of two tribes, and her children were counted among Jacob's full sons. Zilpah's story reflects the complexity of family structures in the biblical period and the significant role that women in various positions played in establishing the people of Israel. The name carries a character of modesty and quiet yet meaningful contribution, characteristics that were part of the biblical Zilpah's personality. In Jewish culture throughout the generations, the name Zilpah has remained relatively rare, but has been preserved as part of the rich biblical heritage. In the modern era, the name is experiencing renewed interest among families seeking unique biblical names with deep historical meaning. The name is suitable for parents who wish to connect their daughter to the heritage of the Patriarchs and give her an identity that combines gentleness, inner strength, and connection to the ancient roots of the Jewish people. Zilpah is a name that reminds us that even figures who seem secondary in the biblical narrative made a decisive contribution to shaping the history of the people of Israel.

The name זלפה with vowels

זִלְפָּה

The name זלפה in English

Zilpah | Zilpa | Zilpha

זלפה is mainly suitable for

Girl

Is the name זלפה considered international

No

Origin of the name זלפה from the Bible

Genesis 29:24 - And Laban gave to Leah his daughter Zilpah his handmaid for a handmaid

Origin of the name זלפה from Kabbalah

In Kabbalah, the name Zilpah symbolizes the gentle flow of divine abundance and blessing that descends from above like drops of dew. The name represents the hidden power that works quietly, nourishing and sustaining without noise or tumult, similar to the way Zilpah contributed to building the house of Israel.

Gematria value for the name זלפה

122

=

7

ז

+

30

ל

+

80

פ

+

5

ה

Numerology value for the name זלפה

5

=

7

ז

+

30

ל

+

80

פ

+

5

ה

=

122

=

1

+

2

+

2

=

5