What does Zebedee mean and where does it come from?
The name Zebedee is of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew name 'Z'vaddi', which means 'gift of God'. It appears in the New Testament, where Zebedee is the father of two of Jesus' apostles, James and John. The name has a strong biblical connotation and has been used in Christian contexts. Zebedee
Cultural significance
Zebedee has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of זְבַדִּי (z'vaddi) -.
Peak popularity
Reached #1199 in 1907 — currently #5203 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Zebedee?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Zebedee?
Zebedee works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Zebedee Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Zebedee John
One syllable · timeless choice
Zebedee Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Zebedee Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
Zebedee Gael
One syllable · timeless choice
Zebedee Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Zebedee right now?
Falling — down 1990 spots — currently #5203 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5203 | 19 | ▼ down 1990 · -50% births |
| 2024 | #3213 | 38 | ▲ up 257 · +12% births |
| 2023 | #3470 | 34 | ▲ up 1376 · +62% births |
| 2022 | #4846 | 21 | ▲ up 3970 · +133% births |
| 2021 | #8816 | 9 | ▼ down 2549 · -31% births |
| 2020 | #6267 | 13 | ▲ up 812 · +18% births |
| 2015 | #7079 | 11 | ▲ up 1764 · +38% births |
| 2010 | #8843 | 8 | ▲ up 335 · +14% births |
| 2005 | #9178 | 7 | ▼ down 4365 · -53% births |
| 2000 | #4813 | 15 | ▲ up 1644 · +88% births |
| 1995 | #6457 | 8 | ▼ down 1026 · -11% births |
| 1990 | #5431 | 9 | ▼ down 1331 · -10% births |
| 1985 | #4100 | 10 | ▲ up 101 · +11% births |
| 1980 | #4201 | 9 | ▼ down 721 · -10% births |
| 1975 | #3480 | 10 | — |
The story of Zebedee
Zebedee entered American naming records in 1907 and has been in use for over 117 years. With 1,154 total births recorded, Zebedee remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3508 in 1915 to #3470 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Zebedee in 1907:
Zebedee by decade
Zebedee peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 7 | |
| 1910s | 85 | |
| 1920s | 127 | |
| 1930s | 108 | |
| 1940s | 94 | |
| 1950s ★ | 173 | |
| 1960s | 103 | |
| 1970s | 78 | |
| 1980s | 97 | |
| 1990s | 91 | |
| 2000s | 87 | |
| 2010s | 91 | |
| 2020s | 70 | |
💎With 1,154 total births, Zebedee is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Zebedee?
What names sound and feel like Zebedee?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Zebedee also consider these
How is Zebedee written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Zebedee
What does the name Zebedee mean?
Zebedee means "זְבַדִּי (Z'vaddi) -" — a name rooted in American 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 Zebedee?
Zebedee is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Zebedee have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Zebedee?
Zebedee originates from American tradition. American 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 Zebedee?
Zebedee is a three-syllable name pronounced ZEE-bee-DEE. 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 Zebedee?
Zebedee pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar American heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.