The Keziah name meaning is traditionally connected to “cassia,” an aromatic spice or fragrant tree related to cinnamon. Keziah is a feminine Hebrew and biblical name that appears in the Book of Job as the name of Job’s second daughter. Because cassia was valued for its fragrance, the name is often associated with beauty, sweetness, fragrance, and refinement.
Keziah has an especially interesting biblical background. At the end of the Book of Job, Job has three daughters named Jemimah, Keziah, and Keren-happuch. The passage also specifically mentions that Job gave his daughters an inheritance among their brothers, making the ending of the story notable within its cultural setting.
Today, Keziah is an uncommon but increasingly recognizable girl’s name in the United States. Social Security Administration data show that Keziah ranked #767 for girls in 2025, up from #865 in 2024, with 354 recorded births in 2025.
This guide explains the Keziah name meaning, Hebrew origin, biblical history, pronunciation, symbolism, popularity, variants, nicknames, and related names.
What Is the Keziah Name?
Keziah is a feminine given name of Hebrew and biblical origin. The Hebrew form is generally represented as קְצִיעָה, transliterated as Qetsiʿa or Qetsiah. The name is associated with the Hebrew word for cassia, an aromatic plant or spice.
The name is best known from the Book of Job, where Keziah is identified as the second daughter of Job after his period of suffering and restoration.
Keziah therefore has several connected layers of meaning:
- Hebrew linguistic heritage
- Biblical history
- Association with cassia and fragrance
- Beauty and femininity
- Restoration within the story of Job
- A distinctive traditional naming style
The literal meaning and the symbolic associations should be kept separate. “Cassia” describes the traditional linguistic meaning, while ideas such as beauty and restoration come from the biblical context and later interpretation.
Keziah Name Meaning
The traditional Keziah name meaning is “cassia.” Cassia refers to an aromatic plant and spice that is related to cinnamon. Some sources describe it specifically in terms of fragrant bark or cinnamon-like spice.
Literal Meaning
At its simplest, Keziah means “cassia.”
Cassia was valued historically for its pleasant fragrance and use as a spice and aromatic substance. This gives the name a natural connection with scent, warmth, and beauty.
Biblical Meaning
The Bible does not provide a separate sentence explaining why Job chose the name Keziah. It simply identifies her as his second daughter.
Later name traditions connect the fragrant meaning of cassia with the beauty of Job’s daughters and the restoration that follows Job’s suffering. These interpretations are meaningful associations, but they should not be presented as a direct biblical translation.
Symbolic Meaning
Because of its association with a fragrant spice and its place in Job’s restored family, Keziah can symbolically suggest:
- Beauty
- Fragrance
- Sweetness
- Grace
- Renewal
- Restoration
- Preciousness
These are symbolic interpretations rather than claims that a person named Keziah will necessarily possess particular personality traits.
Keziah Name Origin and Etymology
Keziah comes from Biblical Hebrew. The Hebrew form is commonly transliterated as Qetsiah or Qetsi’ah, and its lexical meaning is connected with cassia.
The English form Keziah developed through the transmission and translation of the biblical name into other languages.
The name is also related to the shorter form Kezia. Different Bible translations use forms such as Keziah and Kezia, showing how the original Hebrew name can be represented differently in English.
Some etymological discussions connect the Hebrew term for cassia with a verb relating to scraping or stripping, reflecting how aromatic bark could be obtained from a plant. However, for ordinary name usage, “cassia” remains the clearest and most established explanation.
It is therefore more accurate to say that Keziah is traditionally understood as meaning cassia rather than assigning several unrelated meanings to the name.
Keziah in the Bible
Keziah appears in Job 42:14 as the second of Job’s three daughters.
The three daughters are named:
- Jemimah
- Keziah
- Keren-happuch
The biblical passage names all three daughters after Job’s restoration.
Keziah’s place in the story is significant because she belongs to the final portion of the Book of Job, after Job’s period of intense suffering.
The narrative describes Job receiving renewed blessings and having additional children. Keziah is therefore introduced during the restoration portion of the story rather than the earlier part describing Job’s trials.
Keziah and Job’s Restoration
The connection between Keziah and restoration is primarily contextual.
The name appears after Job’s circumstances have changed, and her presence forms part of the closing picture of his renewed family life.
Because her name refers to an aromatic substance, later readers have naturally connected the image of fragrance with beauty and renewal. That symbolism is not stated explicitly as the meaning of her name in the biblical text, but it has become part of the way the name is discussed.
The History and Cultural Context of Keziah
Keziah belongs to the ancient Hebrew naming tradition preserved in the Hebrew Bible.
Unlike many biblical figures whose names are repeatedly mentioned throughout several chapters, Keziah is named in a very short passage. Her importance comes from her place in the conclusion of Job’s story and from the unusual attention given to Job’s daughters.
Job 42:15 says that Job’s daughters were among the women of the land described as exceptionally beautiful. The passage also says that Job gave them an inheritance among their brothers.
This detail is important because it gives Keziah a more prominent place in the story than her brief appearance might initially suggest.
The name consequently carries several historical associations:
- Ancient Hebrew naming
- Biblical literature
- The Book of Job
- Job’s family restoration
- Fragrance and cassia
- The prominence of Job’s daughters
What Does Cassia Mean in the Name Keziah?
Cassia is an aromatic plant or spice associated with cinnamon-like fragrance.
The connection explains why Keziah has such a distinctive natural meaning. Instead of describing an occupation, place, physical characteristic, or abstract quality, the name takes its meaning from a plant and its fragrance.
This places Keziah alongside other traditional names whose meanings come from nature, plants, flowers, or valuable substances.
The word cassia also appears in biblical contexts outside Job. Different translations can vary in how they render Hebrew terms associated with aromatic plants and spices, so individual passages should be interpreted according to their linguistic and textual context.
For the personal name Keziah, however, the connection with cassia is well established.
How Do You Pronounce Keziah?
Keziah has more than one pronunciation in English.
A common pronunciation is:
kee-ZEE-uh
Another pronunciation heard in English is closer to:
keh-ZYE-uh
Name references list several English pronunciations, including forms such as KEE-zee-ah and keh-ZYE-ah.
The original Hebrew pronunciation is different from the modern English versions. A Hebrew transliteration is commonly represented as something close to Qetsiah or Ketsiah.
Is Keziah Easy to Pronounce?
Keziah may require a brief pronunciation explanation when someone first encounters it.
Once the preferred pronunciation is established, however, the name is relatively straightforward. Its unusual spelling is part of what gives it a distinctive appearance.
Parents choosing Keziah may want to decide in advance which English pronunciation they prefer because more than one pronunciation is in use.
Is Keziah a Girl’s Name?
Keziah is traditionally a feminine name and is strongly associated with girls.
Its biblical bearer was Job’s daughter, and modern naming references classify it primarily as a girl’s name. Some contemporary sources note that occasional use for boys exists, but female usage is overwhelmingly more common.
For parents looking for a biblical girl’s name that is less common than names such as Sarah, Rachel, or Hannah, Keziah offers a distinctly different sound and history.
Keziah Name Popularity
Keziah remains relatively uncommon in the United States, although its recent ranking has improved.
According to Social Security Administration data reported for 2025, Keziah ranked #767 among girls, compared with #865 in 2024. The name had 354 recorded births in 2025, compared with 311 in 2024.
The longer-term data show a gradual increase in U.S. usage. Nameberry’s presentation of SSA data lists Keziah at #1,451 in 2014 and #767 in 2025.
This means Keziah has become more visible while remaining considerably less common than many mainstream biblical girl names.
Its current position may appeal to parents who want a name that is:
- Biblical
- Feminine
- Distinctive
- Uncommon but established
- Connected with nature
- Rich in historical meaning
Popularity rankings change every year, so current SSA data are preferable to older baby-name lists when evaluating the name’s present-day popularity.
Keziah Name Symbolism
The symbolic associations surrounding Keziah come from both the name’s literal meaning and its biblical context.
Fragrance
Because Keziah means cassia, fragrance is one of the most natural symbolic associations.
Beauty
Keziah is one of Job’s daughters, and the biblical text specifically emphasizes the beauty of Job’s daughters.
Restoration
Keziah appears in the final part of Job, after the narrative describes Job’s restoration. This has led many readers to associate the name with renewal and a new beginning.
Grace
The combination of a fragrant natural meaning and a positive biblical context can give Keziah an association with grace and elegance.
Strength Through Renewal
The name itself does not mean “strength,” but its position in Job’s restoration story can inspire that symbolic interpretation.
These associations are cultural and literary. They should not be treated as predictions about the personality of someone named Keziah.
Common Nicknames for Keziah
Keziah already has a distinctive and relatively short form, but several nicknames can work naturally.
Possible nicknames include:
- Kez
- Kezzy
- Kezzi
- Kizzy
- Kizzie
- Kia
- Zia
Some of these are more established as related forms than others. For example, Kizzy and Kizzie are listed as English forms associated with Keziah.
The nickname a person uses will ultimately depend on personal preference and family usage.
Keziah Name Variations
Several forms of Keziah can be found across naming traditions.
Kezia
Kezia is a shorter spelling found in English Bible translations and name traditions. It represents the same biblical figure.
Ketsiah or Qetsiah
These forms more closely represent transliterations of the Biblical Hebrew name.
Kizzie and Kizzy
These have developed as English forms or nicknames associated with Keziah.
The spelling Keziah is particularly recognizable in modern English-language naming, while Kezia offers a shorter alternative.
Names Similar to Keziah
Parents who like Keziah may also appreciate other names with biblical, Hebrew, vintage, or distinctive qualities.
| Name | General Character | How It Relates to Keziah |
|---|---|---|
| Kezia | Biblical and uncommon | Direct spelling variant |
| Jemimah | Biblical and distinctive | Keziah’s sister in Job |
| Keren | Biblical and unusual | Connected to Keren-happuch |
| Esther | Biblical and feminine | Shares biblical heritage |
| Naomi | Biblical and classic | Traditional Hebrew name |
| Abigail | Biblical and established | Another biblical girl’s name |
| Tabitha | Biblical and vintage | Similar uncommon biblical style |
| Lydia | Biblical and classic | Familiar but distinctive |
| Selah | Biblical and modern-feeling | Unusual biblical naming style |
| Hadassah | Hebrew and biblical | Strong Hebrew heritage |
These names are similar in style or cultural background rather than meaning.
Keziah vs. Kezia
Keziah and Kezia are closely related forms of the same biblical name.
| Feature | Keziah | Kezia |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | Hebrew | Hebrew |
| Meaning | Cassia | Cassia |
| Biblical connection | Job’s second daughter | Same biblical figure |
| Style | Longer spelling | Shorter spelling |
| Use | Modern English name | Biblical and variant form |
The choice between the two is primarily a matter of spelling preference and naming tradition.
Keziah vs. Jemimah
Keziah and Jemimah are particularly interesting to compare because they are sisters in the Book of Job.
| Name | Meaning | Biblical Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Keziah | Cassia | Second daughter of Job |
| Jemimah | Commonly associated with dove | First daughter of Job |
| Keren-happuch | Name associated with a horn or container of eye cosmetics | Third daughter of Job |
All three names appear together in Job 42:14.
Keziah is generally the easiest of the three for modern English speakers to recognize and use while still retaining its unusual biblical character.
Is Keziah a Rare Name?
Keziah is relatively uncommon compared with highly popular U.S. girls’ names, although it has become more visible in recent years.
Its #767 ranking in 2025 places it within the U.S. Social Security Administration’s top 1,000 girls’ names for that year.
This gives Keziah an interesting middle ground. It is not a completely unfamiliar name, but it is still distinctive enough that a child named Keziah is unlikely to share the name with many classmates.
Is Keziah a Good Baby Name?
Whether Keziah is the right baby name depends on personal preference and family circumstances.
Keziah may appeal to parents who want:
- A biblical girl’s name
- Hebrew roots
- A nature-inspired meaning
- A name connected with fragrance
- An uncommon traditional name
- A distinctive spelling
- A name with an established historical background
The main practical consideration is pronunciation. Because Keziah has more than one English pronunciation, parents may occasionally need to explain how they prefer the name to be said.
For families comfortable with that small distinction, the unusual pronunciation and spelling can also be part of the name’s appeal.
What Makes Keziah Unique?
Keziah stands out because its biblical history is connected to a plant and aromatic spice rather than a conventional abstract virtue.
Its story is also unusual because the Bible specifically names Job’s three daughters at the conclusion of his story and highlights their beauty and inheritance.
The combination gives Keziah several layers:
- Ancient Hebrew origin
- Biblical history
- A nature-based meaning
- A feminine sound
- A relatively uncommon modern profile
- A connection to Job’s restoration
That combination makes the name recognizable without being ordinary.
Keziah Name Meaning at a Glance
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Name | Keziah |
| Gender | Traditionally feminine |
| Origin | Hebrew |
| Language | Biblical Hebrew |
| Traditional meaning | “Cassia” |
| Meaning reference | Aromatic spice / cassia tree |
| Biblical figure | Job’s second daughter |
| Biblical book | Job |
| Common English pronunciation | KEE-zee-uh / variations |
| Hebrew form | Qetsiah / Qetsi’ah |
| Symbolism | Fragrance, beauty, renewal |
| Variant | Kezia |
| Related forms | Kizzy, Kizzie |
| U.S. girls’ rank in 2025 | #767 |
| 2025 U.S. births | 354 |
The most established literal meaning is “cassia.” Associations such as beauty and restoration come from the name’s biblical setting and later interpretation rather than from the literal translation itself.
FAQs
What does the name Keziah mean?
Keziah traditionally means “cassia,” referring to an aromatic plant or spice related to cinnamon. The name comes from Biblical Hebrew.
What is the origin of the name Keziah?
Keziah is a Hebrew name of biblical origin. It appears in the Book of Job as the name of Job’s second daughter.
Is Keziah a biblical name?
Yes. Keziah is a biblical name mentioned in Job 42:14. She is the second of Job’s three daughters named in the final chapter of the book.
What is the biblical meaning of Keziah?
The traditional biblical meaning of Keziah is “cassia.” Because cassia was an aromatic spice, the name is also associated symbolically with fragrance and beauty.
How do you pronounce Keziah?
A common English pronunciation is KEE-zee-uh, although keh-ZYE-uh and other pronunciations are also used. Name references document multiple English pronunciations.
Conclusion
The Keziah name meaning is traditionally “cassia,” referring to a fragrant aromatic plant or spice related to cinnamon. Its Hebrew origin and appearance in the Book of Job give it a deep biblical history, while its connection with fragrance makes it distinctive among traditional biblical names. Keziah is the name of Job’s second daughter, appearing alongside Jemimah and Keren-happuch after Job’s restoration.
Beyond its literal meaning, Keziah can carry symbolic associations with beauty, fragrance, renewal, and restoration. These associations come from the combination of the name’s botanical meaning and its place in the closing chapter of Job. The biblical text also gives Job’s daughters an unusual level of prominence by mentioning their beauty and stating that they received an inheritance among their brothers.
As a modern baby name, Keziah offers a balance between rarity and familiarity. It entered the U.S. top 1,000 girls’ names at #767 in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data, while still remaining much less common than many traditional biblical names. For parents seeking a feminine Hebrew name with biblical depth, a nature-inspired meaning, and an uncommon modern sound, Keziah provides a distinctive choice with a long historical story.
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