What does Obed mean and where does it come from?
Obed is a Hebrew name often associated with biblical scriptures. The name appears in the Old Testament, where Obed was the grandfather of King David. The name implies servitude and devotion, reflecting a faithful character. Obed is used in Israel and among Hebrew-speaking communities worldwide, with
Cultural significance
Obed has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of servant.
Peak popularity
Reached #887 in 1880 — currently #1888 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Obed?
Obed works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Obed Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Obed Rose
Floral · soft ending
Obed Claire
French influence · crisp
Obed Jane
Literary · strong
Obed Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Obed right now?
Holding steady — currently #1888 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1888 | 84 | ▼ down 5 |
| 2022 | #1883 | 84 | ▼ down 21 · +1% births |
| 2021 | #1862 | 83 | ▲ up 214 · +24% births |
| 2020 | #2076 | 67 | ▼ down 337 · -24% births |
| 2015 | #1739 | 88 | ▼ down 292 · -23% births |
| 2010 | #1447 | 114 | ▼ down 284 · -17% births |
| 2005 | #1163 | 137 | ▲ up 52 · +23% births |
| 2000 | #1215 | 111 | ▲ up 373 · +91% births |
| 1995 | #1588 | 58 | ▲ up 143 · +26% births |
| 1990 | #1731 | 46 | ▲ up 70 · +39% births |
| 1985 | #1801 | 33 | ▲ up 115 · +14% births |
| 1980 | #1916 | 29 | ▲ up 736 · +93% births |
| 1975 | #2652 | 15 | ▼ down 126 · +7% births |
| 1970 | #2526 | 14 | ▲ up 1437 · +180% births |
| 1965 | #3963 | 5 | — |
The story of Obed
Obed has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 3,725 total births recorded, Obed remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #887 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1888 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Obed in 1880:
Obed by decade
Obed peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 6 | |
| 1890s | 5 | |
| 1900s | 11 | |
| 1910s | 93 | |
| 1920s | 136 | |
| 1930s | 77 | |
| 1940s | 68 | |
| 1950s | 72 | |
| 1960s | 114 | |
| 1970s | 184 | |
| 1980s | 326 | |
| 1990s | 599 | |
| 2000s ★ | 1,082 | |
| 2010s | 885 | |
| 2020s | 67 | |
💎With 3,725 total births, Obed is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Obed?
What names sound and feel like Obed?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Obed also consider these
How is Obed written in other languages?
עוֹבֵד
Ancient Hebrew), Ωβηδ (Ancient Greek
Common questions about the name Obed
What does the name Obed mean?
Obed means "Servant" — 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 Obed?
Obed is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Obed have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Obed?
Obed 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.
Is Obed trending right now?
Obed is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.
Is Obed a common or rare name?
Obed is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.