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 #1414 in 2024 — currently #1630 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Obadiah?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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 Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Obadiah John
One syllable · timeless choice
Obadiah Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Obadiah Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Obadiah Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Obadiah Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Obadiah right now?
Falling — down 216 spots — currently #1630 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #1630 | 104 | ▼ down 216 · -21% births |
| 2024 | #1414 | 131 | ▲ up 140 · +16% births |
| 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 | — |
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 2024:
Obadiah by decade
Obadiah peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| 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 | 336 | |
💎With 1,940 total births, Obadiah is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Obadiah?
Famous people named Obadiah
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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 2025
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 oh-bud-EYE-uh. 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.