Yocheved is a beautiful and unique feminine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "yochieved," which means "she will increase" or "she will be added." This name has a deep-rooted history in Jewish culture, as it appears in the Bible.
In Exodus 2:8-10, Yocheved is introduced as the mother of Moses and Aaron. She gives birth to Moses during a time when the Israelites were enslaved by the Egyptians, and Pharaoh had ordered that all male Hebrew babies be thrown into the Nile River. To protect her newborn son, Yocheved places him in a basket among the reeds along the riverbank, where he is ultimately discovered by Pharaoh's daughter.
Yocheved's name is also associated with strength and resilience. Despite the harsh conditions under which she lived, she had the courage to defy Pharaoh's decree and ensure her son's survival. Her actions played a crucial role in the eventual redemption of the Israelite people from Egyptian slavery.
In modern times, Yocheved remains a popular choice among Jewish families as a given name for girls. It is often paired with names such as Miriam (Moses' sister) or Sarah (his mother-in-law). Although it may not be as commonly known outside of Jewish communities, Yocheved carries a rich heritage and significance that continues to resonate today.
In conclusion, the name Yocheved holds great meaning and importance in Hebrew culture. With its origins rooted in biblical history and its significance tied to strength and resilience, this unique feminine given name remains a powerful choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their daughter.
The name Yocheved has been given to a total of 2277 babies born in the United States between 1953 and 2023, according to the available statistics. The number of births per year has varied significantly over this period, with some years seeing as few as 6 births (in 1974) and others as many as 89 births (in 2012).
The most popular decade for the name Yocheved was the 1980s, with a total of 345 births during this period. The peak year for the name was 2012, with 89 babies named Yocheved born that year.
Despite its fluctuating popularity over the years, Yocheved remains a unique and distinctive name choice, one that has been given to thousands of girls across several decades in the United States. It is a name that carries a certain historical significance and cultural resonance, as it is often associated with important figures in Jewish history and tradition.
In recent years, the number of births for the name Yocheved has remained relatively stable, with between 60 and 80 births per year since 2015. It will be interesting to see how the popularity of this name continues to evolve in the coming years.