Obadiah

“Servant of the Lord”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1554US 2023

113Births / yr

↓Falling

1.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 191400.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Obadiah

oh·bud·EYE·uh

/ˌoʊ.bəd.ˈaɪ.ə/ · stress on EYE · 4 syllables

“Servant of the Lord”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

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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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

How popular is Obadiah right now?

Falling — down 91 spots — currently #1554 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1554 · Top 1.1%

1960

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Obadiah

Best Year2022Rank #1463

Peak Count124

Average Rank#2838

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 202321 years

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:

Noah Liam William Mason James

Obadiah by decade

Obadiah peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s 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	101

💎With 1,940 total births, Obadiah is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Obadiah?

Common

ObaObObieObyAdiah

Famous people named Obadiah

Obadiah (historical community leader)

Obadiah led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.

Obadiah (historical figure)

Obadiah bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.

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What names sound and feel like Obadiah?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Obadiah also consider these

Obidiah

Hebrew · servant of God;

Obediah

Hebrew · servant of God

Osaiah

English · A meaningful name

Badiah

Arabic · A Arabic name

Zebadiah

Hebrew · Yah has bestowed

Isaiah

Hebrew · God is salvation

Ahaziah

Hebrew · Yahweh is my

Azaniah

Hebrew · Yah has heard

How is Obadiah written in other languages?

עֹבַדְיָה

Ancient Hebrew

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.