The baby name Yaphet is a Boy name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced YAH-fet.
Yaphet is Hebrew in Origin.
The baby name Yaphet is a boy name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced YAH-fet.
Yaphet is Hebrew in Origin.
Yaphet is an English transliteration of Biblical Hebrew Yepheth (יֶפֶת), the name of Noah’s son in Genesis. Its earliest securely attested form is the Hebrew consonantal spelling y-p-t, later vocalized Yépheth. The traditional interpretation rests on Genesis 9:27, where Noah says yaft Elohim le-Yepheth, May God enlarge Japheth, a wordplay on the Semitic root p-t-h, to make wide or spacious. Thus the name is best glossed as enlargement or may he enlarge.
Greek biblical transmission gave Iapheth, followed by Latin Iapheth and English Japheth; Yaphet reflects a y-spelling closer to Hebrew pronunciation. Jewish, Christian, and Islamic genealogical traditions treat him as one of Noah’s three sons, often linking his descendants with northern or western peoples. The spelling Yaphet is rare in English-language records, with notable visibility from American actor Yaphet Kotto; related forms include Jafet, Yafet, and Arabic Yafith.
| Yaphet Kotto Yaphet Kotto was an American actor best known for his roles in Alien, Live and Let Die, and Midnight Run. He built a long film and TV career, appearing in standout movies like Across 110th Street and The Running Man. |
Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.
| Country | Gender | Year | Rank | Born | of |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR | Boys | 0 | #178 | 1 | 2,508 |
| CN | Boys | 0 | #331 | 1 | 9,639 |
| PA | Boys | 0 | #501 | 5 | 9,305 |
| HK | Boys | 0 | #557 | 1 | 12,905 |
| CM | Boys | 0 | #573 | 3 | 12,054 |
| United States | Boys | 2021 | #905 | 6 | 7,214 |
| PE | Boys | 0 | #925 | 2 | 14,506 |
| NG | Boys | 0 | #1,001 | 1 | 16,906 |
| MX | Boys | 0 | #1,033 | 1 | 16,355 |
| ZA | Boys | 0 | #1,269 | 4 | 25,619 |
Yaphet is popular in 10 countries — most recent births per country:
Did we miss something about this name? Let us know!