The name Zadie is derived from the Hebrew name Zedekiah, which means "Yahweh is my righteousness." It has its origins in ancient Judea, dating back to the 6th century BCE. The name Zedekiah was borne by the last king of Judah before the Babylonian exile, as recorded in the Hebrew Bible.

Zadie is a diminutive form of the name Zedekiah, likely emerging in the Middle Ages among Jewish communities in Europe. The earliest recorded use of the name Zadie can be traced back to the 13th century in England.

One notable figure named Zadie was Zadie Smith, a British novelist and essayist born in 1975. Her debut novel, "White Teeth," published in 2000, was a critical and commercial success, earning her recognition as one of the most influential writers of her generation.

Another significant bearer of the name was Zadie Anita Jervier, an American civil rights activist born in 1932. She played a crucial role in the Montgomery Bus Boycott, working alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and Rosa Parks in the fight against racial segregation.

In the realm of entertainment, Zadie Jilani was a British-Pakistani actress born in 1977. She appeared in various television shows and films, including "The Sarah Jane Adventures" and "Waking the Dead."

Zadie Khanza, born in 1972, was a South African writer and poet known for her works exploring themes of identity, displacement, and belonging. Her poetry collections, such as "Entrance" and "The Fabric of Life," received critical acclaim.

Zadie Oleksiw, born in 1932, was a Ukrainian-Canadian artist celebrated for her abstract expressionist paintings. Her works were exhibited in numerous galleries and museums across Canada and the United States.

While the name Zadie has Hebrew roots, it has transcended cultural boundaries and gained popularity in various parts of the world, particularly in Western countries. Its unique and melodic sound has contributed to its appeal as a given name.