What does Obadiah mean and where does it come from?
Obadiah is derived from the Hebrew name עֹבַדְיָה (Obadyah), meaning 'servant of Yahweh'. This name appears in the Hebrew Bible, notably as the author of the Book of Obadiah in the Old Testament, which is one of the shortest books in the Bible. The name has been used by various figures throughout hi
Cultural significance
Obadiah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of servant of the lord.
Peak popularity
Reached #1546 in 2016 — currently #1554 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Obadiah?
Obadiah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Obadiah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Obadiah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Obadiah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Obadiah Claire
French influence · crisp
Obadiah Jane
Literary · strong
Obadiah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Obadiah right now?
Falling — down 91 spots — currently #1554 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1554 | 113 | ▼ down 91 · -9% births |
| 2022 | #1463 | 124 | ▲ up 212 · +25% births |
| 2021 | #1675 | 99 | ▼ down 88 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #1587 | 101 | ▲ up 107 · +10% births |
| 2015 | #1694 | 92 | ▲ up 601 · +64% births |
| 2010 | #2295 | 56 | ▲ up 615 · +56% births |
| 2005 | #2910 | 36 | ▼ down 277 · +3% births |
| 2000 | #2633 | 35 | ▲ up 584 · +67% births |
| 1995 | #3217 | 21 | ▲ up 801 · +50% births |
| 1990 | #4018 | 14 | ▲ up 106 · +40% births |
| 1985 | #4124 | 10 | ▼ down 1726 · -52% births |
| 1980 | #2398 | 21 | ▲ up 184 · +31% births |
| 1975 | #2582 | 16 | ▲ up 578 · +60% births |
| 1970 | #3160 | 10 | ▲ up 336 · +43% births |
| 1960 | #3496 | 7 | — |
The story of Obadiah
Obadiah entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. With 1,940 total births recorded, Obadiah remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3389 in 1920 to #1554 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Obadiah in 2016:
Obadiah by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 11 | |
| 1920s | 53 | |
| 1930s | 40 | |
| 1940s | 29 | |
| 1950s | 35 | |
| 1960s | 17 | |
| 1970s | 152 | |
| 1980s | 166 | |
| 1990s | 186 | |
| 2000s | 346 | |
| 2010s ★ | 804 | |
| 2020s | 101 | |
💎With 1,940 total births, Obadiah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Obadiah?
Famous people named Obadiah
O(
Obadiah (historical community leader)
Obadiah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
O(
Obadiah (historical figure)
Obadiah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Obadiah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Obadiah also consider these
How is Obadiah written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Obadiah
What does the name Obadiah mean?
Obadiah means "Servant of the Lord" — 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 Obadiah?
Obadiah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Obadiah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Obadiah?
Obadiah 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 Obadiah?
Obadiah is a four-syllable name pronounced OW2 B AH0 D AY1 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 Obadiah?
Obadiah 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.