Every Name Has a Story

Tabitha

Ταβιθά / Δορκάς

Acts gives both Tabitha and Dorcas for the same disciple. They are searchable aliases for one woman, not two separate biographies.

PronunciationTAB-ih-thuh; DOR-kus

Original formTabitha / Dorkas

MeaningGazelle

ConfidenceStrong lexical support

Historical useFemale

Used today?The current-use label will be added only after the dated Social Security dataset is checked.

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People and entities

Who carried this name?

Tabitha, also called Dorcas

Acts 9:36–42

Acts describes Tabitha as a disciple in Joppa who was full of good works and acts of charity. After she dies, widows show Peter garments she had made. Peter prays, she is restored to life, and the event becomes known throughout Joppa.

Documented relationships

Community: the disciples and widows of Joppa

From the text

Biblical facts

Acts 9:36 explicitly supplies the Greek equivalent Dorcas.
The text calls her a disciple and describes her charitable work.
Tabitha and Dorcas refer to one woman.

Handled with care

Interpretation and limits

Scripture does not state her profession, wealth, marital status, or formal church office.
Her sewing and charity can inspire reflection, but they do not define the linguistic meaning beyond 'gazelle.'

Themes connected with the stories

servicecompassioncommunityrestoration

Themes are reading connections, not promises about a child’s destiny.

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Read and verify

Last reviewed 2026-10-28. Scripture links open the public-domain World English Bible where available.

A name is an invitation to learn, not a guarantee

Fruitful Village does not claim that choosing a biblical name guarantees blessing, protection, personality, or destiny. We share the text, history, and questions so families can choose with care.