Neftali is a unique and distinctive male given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word "neftalí," which means "gift" or "present." This name has deep roots in Spanish culture, with its earliest known usage dating back to the Middle Ages.
The name Neftali was popularized by the Spanish poet and playwright, José Zorrilla y García, who included a character named Neftalí in his play "El Zapatero y el Rey" ("The Cobbler and the King"). However, it is important to note that this usage is not the origin of the name, but rather an example of how it has been used throughout history.
Neftali is often associated with the biblical figure Nephthalim, who was one of the twelve sons of Jacob in the Old Testament. In Hebrew, "Nephthalim" means "wrestlers," a reference to the struggles and trials that Jacob endured. This connection may contribute to the significance of the name Neftalí among Spanish-speaking Christians.
Today, Neftali is still used as a given name, particularly in Spanish-speaking countries and communities around the world. It remains a unique choice for parents looking for a distinctive name with deep historical roots. While it may not be as widely known or commonly used as some other names, Neftali's meaning and history make it a memorable and meaningful option.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe several trends and patterns regarding the number of births with the name Neftali in the United States over time.
From 1953 to 1974, there were fewer than 25 births per year. However, starting from 1975, we see an increase in the popularity of the name, with more than 20 births each year until 1986. During this period, Neftali peaked at 31 births in 1979 and again at 43 births in 1994.
From 1987 to 2010, there were consistently between 25 to 70 births per year with the name Neftali. The highest number of births during this period occurred in 1997, with 64 newborns named Neftali. This trend continued until 2010.
After 2010, there was a decrease in the popularity of the name Neftali, with fewer than 50 births per year. The lowest number of births recorded in recent years was in 2020, with only 23 newborns named Neftali.
Overall, from 1953 to 2023, there were a total of 2,216 births with the name Neftali in the United States. The popularity of this name has varied over time but has remained relatively stable since the late 1970s.