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Hephzibah – Name Meaning
The name Hephzibah is of Hebrew origin and means “my delight is in her”. It is a biblical name, derived from the Old Testament book of Isaiah, where it is used to refer to the city of Jerusalem. The name has been popularized by its use in literature, such as in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The House of the Seven Gables.
History and Origin
The name Hephzibah first appears in the Bible in Isaiah 62:4, where it is used to refer to the city of Jerusalem. In this passage, God promises that He will give Jerusalem a new name, one that reflects His love for her: “You shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord shall name. You shall be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord, and a royal diadem in the hand of your God. You shall no more be termed Forsaken; neither shall your land any more be termed Desolate; but you shall be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.”
The name Hephzibah has been popularized by its use in literature. Nathaniel Hawthorne’s novel The House of the Seven Gables features a character named Hephzibah Pyncheon who is described as being “a gentlewoman of great beauty and refinement”. The novel also mentions another character named Hepzibah who is described as being “a poor old woman with an air of faded gentility”.
Symbolism
The name Hephzibah symbolizes joy and delight. It reflects God’s love for Jerusalem and His desire to make her beautiful again. It also symbolizes hope and renewal, as it was given to Jerusalem after she had been forsaken and desolate for many years.
Nicknames
Common nicknames for Hephzibah include Ziba, Zeeba, Zeba, Heffy, Hefzi, Hefzy, Heffie, Heffi, Heffy and Hefzie.
Matching Names in Love and Friendship – Compatibility
Hephzibah pairs well with names that have similar meanings or origins such as Joy (Hebrew), Delight (Hebrew), Rejoice (Hebrew) or Shalom (Hebrew). Other compatible names include Hope (English), Faith (Latin), Charity (Latin) or Grace (Latin).
