Shifra
SHIF-rah
Shifra comes from the Hebrew root meaning beautiful or improved, with connotations of brightness and elegance. The name is most celebrated for its bearer in the Book of Exodus: Shifra was one of two Hebrew midwives who, at great personal risk, defied Pharaoh's command to kill newborn Hebrew boys, instead preserving life with quiet, courageous disobedience. Her name is thus inseparable from bravery and moral integrity.
At a glance
Shifra is an ancient Hebrew name meaning beautiful, carried by one of the Bible's most quietly heroic figures. It is especially beloved in observant Jewish communities for its deep scriptural roots and its association with moral courage.
Etymology & History
Shifra derives from the Hebrew root shin-peh-resh, related to the verb 'shaphar', meaning to be beautiful, to improve, or to make fair. The root conveys not merely surface beauty but an improvement or refinement of quality. The name appears in its oldest recorded form in the Hebrew Bible, making it one of the more ancient attested feminine Hebrew names. In Yiddish-speaking communities it was sometimes rendered as Shprintze or Shprinza.
Cultural Significance
Shifra holds a position of particular honour in Jewish religious tradition. In Exodus 1:15-21, Shifra and her companion Puah are the first named heroes of the Exodus narrative, preceding Moses himself. Their act of civil disobedience, defying a royal decree to save innocent lives, has been interpreted by scholars and theologians as one of the earliest recorded acts of conscientious objection in human history. The Talmud identifies Shifra with Yocheved, Moses' mother, though this is a minority view. In the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, Shifra has been adopted by Jewish feminists as a symbol of women's agency and courage. The name sees consistent use in Orthodox and observant Jewish communities worldwide.
Famous people named Shifra
Shifra (Book of Exodus)
One of two Hebrew midwives named in Exodus 1:15 who defied Pharaoh's order to kill newborn Israelite boys, an act of civil disobedience celebrated in Jewish tradition.
Shifra Hoffman
Israeli author and activist, founder of Victims of Arab Terror International, known for advocacy on behalf of families of terror victims.
Frequently Asked Questions
Names like Shifra
Adira
“Strong, noble”
Adira comes from the Hebrew root adir, meaning strong, mighty, noble or majestic, a word used in Hebrew scripture to describe both earthly rulers and the divine. It is the feminine form of Adir, and the name carries a sense of quiet, assured power rather than force. In a world of increasingly popular names with gentle sounds, Adira stands out for its confident, strong-vowelled beauty.
Leah
“Weary, meadow”
From the Hebrew Le'ah, most commonly interpreted as 'weary' or 'tired', though an alternative Akkadian derivation suggests 'cow' (a symbol of fertility), and an Assyrian connection gives 'mistress' or 'ruler'. Some scholars also link it to the Hebrew for 'meadow'.
Miriam
“Wished-for child, sea of bitterness”
The original Hebrew form of Mary, Miriam's meaning has been debated for centuries. Leading theories include 'wished-for child', 'sea of bitterness', and 'rebellion'. As the oldest form of the world's most widespread female name, Miriam carries extraordinary depth.
Rivka
“To bind, captivating”
Rivka is the original Hebrew form of the name Rebecca, rooted in the verb meaning to bind, tie, or ensnare with beauty. The name carries connotations of someone whose grace and character draws others close. In Jewish tradition, Rivka (Rebecca) is one of the four matriarchs of the Jewish people, wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. Her story in the Torah portrays her as a woman of exceptional kindness, discernment, and spiritual courage, qualities the name has carried for millennia.
Shira
“Song, poetry”
Shira is a Hebrew name meaning song or poetry, rooted in the deep musical and liturgical traditions of Jewish culture. Song plays a central role in Jewish worship, celebration, and mourning, making Shira a name of profound cultural resonance. It is a lyrical and elegant choice that evokes creativity, beauty, and the power of artistic expression.
Where you'll find Shifra
Shifra shows up in these curated collections across Namekin.