The name Jedediah originates from the Hebrew language and culture. It is a biblical name derived from the Hebrew words "yadah" meaning "to praise" and "Yah" which is a shortened form of the name of the God of Israel, Yahweh or Jehovah. The name essentially means "praised" or "one who praises God."

The name Jedediah first appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in 1 Chronicles 24:20-22. It refers to one of the twenty-four chief priests appointed by King David to serve in the temple at Jerusalem. This biblical figure lived around 1000 BC during the reign of King David.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Jedediah is found in the Book of Jasher, an ancient Hebrew text mentioned in the Bible. It refers to a man named Jedediah who was a prince during the time of the Exodus from Egypt, around 1400 BC.

In American history, Jedediah Strong (1737-1801) was a famous colonial-era minister and theologian who played a significant role in the Second Great Awakening religious movement. He was born in Massachusetts and served as a minister in Connecticut.

Jedediah Morse (1761-1826) was an American geographer, theologian, and father of Samuel F.B. Morse, the inventor of the Morse code. He was born in Connecticut and is known for his influential works on American geography and history.

Jedediah Smith (1799-1831) was an American fur trader, explorer, and author who is renowned for his contributions to the exploration and mapping of the American West. He was the first American to travel overland from the Atlantic to the Pacific Ocean.

Jedediah Burchard (1815-1876) was an American clergyman and author who served as a chaplain during the American Civil War. He is best known for his famous quote about the corruption of the political process, which became known as the "Burchard Blunder" during the 1884 presidential election.

Jedediah Strutt (1726-1797) was an English inventor and engineer who played a significant role in the development of the cotton industry during the Industrial Revolution. He is credited with inventing several important machines used in textile manufacturing.