Naftali: meaning of the Hebrew name
נַפְתָּלִי
Pronounced naf-ta-LEE
Meaning of Naftali
Naftali was the son of Jacob and Bilhah, named with the words "with mighty wrestlings have I wrestled," from the idea of struggle. In Jacob's blessing he is likened to a hind let loose, swift and free.
And Rachel said: ‘With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed.’ And she called his name Naphtali.
וַתֹּאמֶר רָחֵל נַפְתּוּלֵי אֱלֹהִים ׀ נִפְתַּלְתִּי עִם־אֲחֹתִי גַּם־יָכֹלְתִּי וַתִּקְרָא שְׁמוֹ נַפְתָּלִי׃
Naftali in Hebrew
Naftali is written נפתלי in Hebrew (with vowel points: נַפְתָּלִי). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- נNun
- פPe
- תTav
- לLamed
- יYod
Gematria value: 570 (Nun 50 + Pe 80 + Tav 400 + Lamed 30 + Yod 10)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningmy struggle
- Pronunciationnaf-ta-LEE
- Hebrewנפתלי
- Syllables3
Popularity in Israel
In 2024, Naftali ranked #105 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (162 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #86, in 2022.
All years 2014-2024
| Year | Rank | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 105 | 162 |
| 2023 | 103 | 158 |
| 2022 | 86 | 197 |
| 2021 | 117 | 154 |
| 2020 | 111 | 155 |
| 2019 | 120 | 149 |
| 2018 | 116 | 159 |
| 2017 | 108 | 172 |
| 2016 | 125 | 144 |
| 2015 | 114 | 157 |
| 2014 | 116 | 150 |
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Naftali
What does the name Naftali mean?
Naftali was the son of Jacob and Bilhah, named with the words "with mighty wrestlings have I wrestled," from the idea of struggle. In Jacob's blessing he is likened to a hind let loose, swift and free.
How do you pronounce Naftali?
Naftali is pronounced naf-ta-LEE in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Naftali in Hebrew?
Naftali is written נפתלי in Hebrew (with vowel points: נַפְתָּלִי).
Is Naftali a biblical name?
Yes. Naftali appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 30:8.
How popular is the name Naftali in Israel?
In 2024, Naftali ranked #105 among boys' names given to Jewish newborns in Israel (162 babies). Its highest rank in 2014-2024 was #86, in 2022. Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics.
What is the gematria of Naftali?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling נפתלי adds up to 570 (Nun 50 + Pe 80 + Tav 400 + Lamed 30 + Yod 10).
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This name in Hebrew: נפתלי
