Zebedee

“זְבַדִּי (Z'vaddi) -”

American origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#3470US 2023

34Births / yr

↑Rising

1.2kAll-time births

📅 Since 190700

How to pronounce Zebedee

ZEE·bee·DEE

/ˈziː.biː.ˈdiː/ · stress on ZEE · 3 syllables

“זְבַדִּי (Z'vaddi) -”

American origin · Boy name

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 #3470 in the US.

🌿

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 Grace

How popular is Zebedee right now?

Rising fast — up 1376 spots — currently #3470 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#3470 · Top 2.6%

1960

1965

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
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	▲ up 146 · +67% births
1965	#3626	6	▼ down 1459 · -60% births
1960	#2167	15	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Zebedee

Best Year1950Rank #1641

Peak Count34

Average Rank#4420

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 202324 years

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:

John William James George Robert

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	13

💎With 1,154 total births, Zebedee is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Zebedee?

Common

ZebZebieZebyEdee

What names sound and feel like Zebedee?

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

Zebdee

American · God has hidden;

Jeremee

American · derived from Jeremiah,

Zebbie

American · Gift from God

Eldee

American · English

Zebulen

Hebrew · Exalted or elevated

Ferebee

Latin · A Latin name

Demetree

American · Derived from Demetrius,

Jesselee

American · God exists; combination

How is Zebedee written in other languages?

Ζεβεδαιος

Ancient Greek

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 Z IY1 B IY0 D IY1. 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.