Neftali

Hebrew

"wrestling, struggling"

Neftali Origin and Meaning

The name Neftali is a boy's name.

Neftali is a masculine name of Hebrew origin, representing an alternative spelling of Naphtali, one of the twelve sons of Jacob in the Bible. The name derives from the Hebrew word 'naftal,' meaning 'to struggle' or 'to wrestle,' with biblical records stating that Rachel named him this because 'with great wrestlings have I wrestled.' This variation is particularly popular in Spanish-speaking countries and Latin American communities. The biblical Naphtali was the founder of one of the twelve tribes of Israel. The name carries connotations of persistence, determination, and overcoming challenges. While not among the most common biblical names, Neftali offers cultural richness and religious significance for families seeking a distinctive name with deep historical roots.

Famous People Named Neftali

• Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto birth name of Chilean poet,diplomat Pablo Neruda
• Neftalí Feliz (Antonio) Dominican baseball player
• Neftalí Soto Puerto Rican baseball player
• Neftalí Soto Puerto Rican secretary of agriculture
• Neftalí Ayungua Suárez Mexican folk potter
• Neftalí Rivera Puerto Rican basketball player