The name Obadiah is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name עֹבַדְיָה (Obadyah), which is composed of the elements עבד ('abad) meaning "servant" and יה (Yah), a shortened form of the Hebrew name for God (Yahweh or YHWH). Thus, the name Obadiah literally translates to "servant of God" or "worshipper of the Lord."

The earliest recorded instance of the name Obadiah appears in the Hebrew Bible, where it refers to a prophet believed to have lived in the 6th century BCE. The Book of Obadiah, one of the shortest books in the Old Testament, is attributed to this prophet. This biblical figure is celebrated in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

The name Obadiah has been used across various cultures and time periods, often with variations in spelling and pronunciation. Some alternative spellings include Obadja, Obadias, Abadias, and Abdias. In Greek, the name is rendered as Obadias (Ὀβαδίας), and in Latin, it appears as Abdias or Obadias.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Obadiah. One of the earliest recorded was Obadiah, a prophet in the Hebrew Bible, who lived during the 6th century BCE. Another significant figure was Obadiah ben Abraham Aben Ari Bertinoro (1450-1516), an Italian rabbi and commentator on the Mishnah.

In the 17th century, Obadiah Sedgwick (1600-1658) was an English Puritan minister and member of the Westminster Assembly. Obadiah Walker (1616-1699) was an English academic and writer who converted to Catholicism and became the head of University College, Oxford.

The 18th century saw Obadiah Hulme (1651-1691), an English clergyman and author, and Obadiah Rich (1783-1850), an American lawyer and politician who served as Lieutenant Governor of Vermont.

In more recent times, notable individuals with the name Obadiah include Obadiah Strickland (1835-1895), a Canadian politician and farmer, and Obadiah Ewing (1796-1885), an American politician who served as a United States Representative from Illinois.

While the name Obadiah has retained its biblical roots and significance in various religious and cultural contexts, its usage has declined in modern times, particularly in Western countries. However, it remains a significant part of historical and literary records, reflecting the enduring influence of its biblical origins.