Find out how popular the first name Obediah has been for the last 48 years (from 1977 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Obediah by gender

Based on the last 48 years of data, Obediah is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Obediah.

The history of the first name Obediah

The name Obediah has its origins in the Hebrew language and culture. It is derived from the Hebrew name Obadiah, which means "servant of the Lord" or "worshipper of Yahweh". The name can be traced back to the Old Testament, where it appears as the name of a prophet in the Book of Obadiah.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Obediah can be found in the 17th century. Obediah Holmes (1610-1682) was a Baptist minister from England who was persecuted for his religious beliefs. He is known for being publicly whipped in Boston, Massachusetts, for advocating the separation of church and state.

Another notable figure in history with the name Obediah was Obediah Newcomb (1680-1765), an American farmer and landowner from Massachusetts. He was one of the first settlers in what is now the town of Norton, Massachusetts.

In the 18th century, Obediah Woodson (1743-1810) was a notable figure from Virginia. He was a Baptist minister and played a role in the struggle for religious freedom in the state.

Moving to the 19th century, Obediah Jenney (1778-1834) was an American inventor from Connecticut. He is credited with developing one of the first practical models of a steam-powered locomotive.

Another significant figure was Obediah Gardner (1805-1884), an American businessman and politician from Massachusetts. He served as a member of the United States House of Representatives in the 1850s.

The name Obediah has been found in various historical texts and records throughout the centuries, although its usage has been relatively uncommon compared to some other biblical names. It has been most prevalent among certain Protestant Christian communities, particularly those with Baptist or Puritan roots.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Obediah was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Obediah, please contact us.

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