Zebedee is a unique and distinctive male given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the name Zebulun, one of the twelve sons of Jacob in the Old Testament of the Bible. Zebulun means "dwelling" or "habitation," and it is believed that the tribe of Zebulun was known for its skill in commerce and navigation.
The name Zebedee is not particularly common, but it has been used throughout history. One notable figure associated with this name is Simon Peter's father, who is mentioned in the New Testament of the Bible (Matthew 4:21-22). However, there is no recorded history or legend surrounding the name Zebedee itself beyond its biblical association.
In terms of popularity, Zebedee has never been a top choice for parents naming their children. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only nine boys were named Zebedee between 1972 and 2018, with the highest year being 1994 when three boys were given this name.
Despite its rarity, the name Zebedee has a strong biblical heritage and may appeal to parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their son. Its Hebrew origin gives it an ancient and timeless feel, while its association with commerce and navigation could make it appealing to those who appreciate these qualities. Ultimately, whether or not Zebedee becomes more popular in the future remains to be seen, but its biblical roots ensure that it will always have a place in history.
The name Zebedee has been a rare but consistent choice for parents in the United States over the past century. According to available statistics, there were 7 births with the name Zebedee in 1907, marking the earliest record of this name being given to newborns in the U.S.
Over the following decades, the number of babies named Zebedee fluctuated annually, ranging from a low of just 5 births in some years to a high of 34 births in 2023. Throughout this period, there were several notable peaks in popularity:
- In the 1910s and 1920s, the number of babies named Zebedee varied between 8 and 20 each year.
- The 1950s saw a significant increase, with a high of 23 births in 1959.
- There was another notable peak in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with between 9 and 16 babies named Zebedee each year.
Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend shows that the name Zebedee has been consistently given to around 7-15 newborns per year since the 1940s. This steady presence over time suggests that parents have appreciated this unique name for their children, even if it hasn't become a widespread or trendy choice.
In total, from 1907 to 2023, there have been 1219 babies named Zebedee born in the United States. This rare but enduring popularity demonstrates that while the name may not be common, it has held its own as a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents over generations.
It's essential to note that these statistics only represent births registered with the Social Security Administration, which began collecting data on baby names in 1937. Thus, the actual total number of babies named Zebedee born in the U.S. might be higher when including earlier records and unregistered births.
In conclusion, the name Zebedee has maintained a steady presence among newborns in the United States throughout the past century, with parents continuing to choose this unique and meaningful name for their children despite its relative rarity.