Obediah

Obediah is a masculine name with Hebrew origins, derived from 'Ovadyah,' meaning 'servant of God' or 'worshipper of Yahweh.' It appears in the Bible as a minor prophet and author of the Book of Obadiah in the Old Testament. This name has been used primarily in Christian communities since the Protestant Reformation, particularly among Puritans who favored biblical names. While the more common spelling is Obadiah, Obediah represents a phonetic variant that maintains the same pronunciation. The name carries connotations of faithfulness, devotion, and religious commitment. Though never extremely popular, it has persisted through generations, appealing to parents seeking a name with clear biblical roots and traditional masculine qualities.

Pronounced oh-buh-DY-uh.

As of October 2026, Obediah ranked #13364 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #2475 in 1912.