The name Oziah traces its origins to the Hebrew language and culture. It is a variant spelling of the biblical name Uzziah, which means "strength of the Lord" or "the Lord is my strength." The name Uzziah appears in the Old Testament of the Bible, specifically in the books of 2 Kings and 2 Chronicles.

In the Bible, Uzziah, also known as Azariah, was a king of Judah who reigned from around 783 to 742 BC. He is remembered for his military accomplishments and for his sin of entering the temple to burn incense, an act reserved for priests. According to the biblical account, Uzziah was struck with leprosy as a punishment for this transgression.

The earliest recorded use of the variant spelling Oziah can be traced back to the 17th century. One notable figure with this name was Oziah Towne (1633-1718), an early settler in Massachusetts Bay Colony and a prominent landowner in the town of Topsfield.

Another historical figure named Oziah was Oziah Blanchard (1737-1818), an American Revolutionary War soldier from Massachusetts. He fought in several major battles, including the Battle of Bunker Hill and the Battle of Saratoga.

In the 19th century, Oziah Wilkinson (1816-1890) was a Methodist minister and educator from England. He served as the principal of the Wesleyan College in Taunton, Somerset, and played a significant role in the development of higher education for women.

One of the most famous individuals named Oziah was Oziah Whiteley (1849-1917), an English businessman and eccentric millionaire from Yorkshire. He amassed a fortune through his retail and manufacturing businesses and became known for his philanthropy and eccentric behavior, such as dressing in a unique style and carrying a sword.

Another notable figure was Oziah Williams (1805-1873), an American missionary and translator who worked among the Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest. He is particularly remembered for his contributions to the translation of the Bible into the Nez Perce language.

While the name Oziah has its roots in the Hebrew language and biblical history, it has been used across various cultures and time periods, often as a variant spelling of the more common name Uzziah. Despite its relative rarity, the name has been borne by individuals who have left their mark in various fields, from religion and education to business and military service.