What does Gedalia mean and where does it come from?
Gedalia is a Hebrew name that translates to 'God is great'. It is derived from the root word 'גדול' (gadol), meaning 'great'. The name has biblical roots, appearing in the Old Testament in relation to Gedaliah, the governor of Judah after the destruction of the First Temple. The name is most common
Cultural significance
Gedalia has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of גְּדַלְיָה - 'god is great'.
Peak popularity
Reached #6105 in 1981 — currently #9189 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Gedalia?
Gedalia works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gedalia Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Gedalia Rose
Floral · soft ending
Gedalia Mae
Sweet · timeless
Gedalia Claire
French influence · crisp
Gedalia Jane
Literary · strong
Gedalia Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Gedalia right now?
Rising fast — up 962 spots — currently #9189 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #9189 | 8 | ▲ up 962 · +14% births |
| 2022 | #10151 | 7 | ▼ down 80 |
| 2021 | #10071 | 7 | ▼ down 56 |
| 2010 | #10015 | 7 | ▲ up 2004 · +40% births |
| 2005 | #12019 | 5 | ▼ down 5896 · -17% births |
| 1980 | #6123 | 6 | — |
The story of Gedalia
Gedalia is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1977. With 85 total births recorded, Gedalia remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6123 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9189 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Gedalia in 1981:
Gedalia by decade
Gedalia peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 5 | |
| 1980s | 12 | |
| 1990s | 13 | |
| 2000s | 23 | |
| 2010s ★ | 32 | |
💎Gedalia has only 85 total recorded births since 1977 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Gedalia?
Famous people named Gedalia
G(
Gedalia (historical community leader)
Gedalia led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
G(
Gedalia (historical community leader)
Gedalia led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Gedalia?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gedalia also consider these
Common questions about the name Gedalia
What does the name Gedalia mean?
Gedalia means "גְּדַלְיָה - 'God is great'" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Gedalia?
Gedalia is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Gedalia have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Gedalia?
Gedalia originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Gedalia?
Gedalia is a 5-syllable name pronounced G EH1 D AE1 L IY1 AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Gedalia?
Gedalia pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Hebrew heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.