Obediah

“servant of God”

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11857US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

201All-time births

📅 Since 191200

What does Obediah mean and where does it come from?

Obediah is of Hebrew origin, spelled 'עֹבַדְיָה' in Hebrew. The name has biblical roots, being borne by a prophet mentioned in the Old Testament. The name implies devotion and servitude to God. Obediah has been used in various forms across different cultures and became more popular in Christian comm

Cultural significance

Obediah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of servant of god.

Peak popularity

Reached #2514 in 1912 — currently #11857 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Obediah?

Obediah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Obediah Grace

How popular is Obediah right now?

Falling — down 1373 spots — currently #11857 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#11857 · Top 8.7%

1920

1925

1930

1935

1970

2010

2015

2020

2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11857	6	▼ down 1373 · -14% births
2021	#10484	7	▲ up 114 · +17% births
2020	#10598	6	▲ up 1565 · +20% births
2015	#12163	5	▲ up 180
2010	#12343	5	▼ down 7450
1970	#4893	5	▼ down 1467 · -17% births
1935	#3426	6	▼ down 21 · -14% births
1930	#3405	7	▲ up 474 · +17% births
1925	#3879	6	▲ up 585 · +20% births
1920	#4464	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Obediah

Best Year1930Rank #3405

Peak Count7

Average Rank#7751

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202310 years

The story of Obediah

Obediah entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 201 total births recorded, Obediah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #4464 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11857 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Obediah in 1912:

John William James Robert Joseph

Obediah by decade

Obediah peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	24
1920s	23
1930s ★	30
1940s	6
1950s	20
1970s	26
1980s	5
1990s	15
2000s	16
2010s	30
2020s	6

💎Obediah has only 201 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Obediah?

Common

ObeObObieObyEdiah

Famous people named Obediah

Obediah (historical community leader)

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

Obediah (historical figure)

Obediah 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 Obediah?

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

Obidiah

Hebrew · servant of God;

Obadiah

Hebrew · Servant of the

Joseiah

Hebrew · Jehovah has healed

Jebediah

Hebrew · Beloved friend of

Hebrew · Helped by God

Common questions about the name Obediah

What does the name Obediah mean?

Obediah means "servant of God" — 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 Obediah?

Obediah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Obediah have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Obediah?

Obediah 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.

What sibling names go well with Obediah?

Obediah 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.

Is Obediah trending right now?

Obediah is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.