Zebediah is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin, meaning "gift of God" or "God has bestowed." It is derived from the Hebrew elements zebad, which means "gift," and El, referring to God.
The name Zebediah is not particularly common, but it does have historical significance. In the Bible, Zephaniah was a prophet who lived during the reign of King Josiah in Judah. His name is believed to have been derived from the same Hebrew elements as Zebediah, suggesting that they are closely related.
While Zebediah may not be as well-known as some other names with similar meanings, such as Zachary or Sebastian, it offers a unique and meaningful option for parents looking for a distinctive name with a strong biblical heritage.
Based on the statistical data provided, the name Zebediah has seen a fluctuating trend in popularity over the years in the United States. The number of births with this name peaked in recent years, reaching a high of 26 births in 2007 and maintaining a relatively higher average since then compared to the earlier decades.
From 1978 to 1995, the annual births with the name Zebediah ranged from 5 to 12, with an average of approximately 8 births per year. However, from 1996 onwards, there has been a noticeable increase in the popularity of this name, with the annual births ranging from 10 to 26, and averaging around 17 births per year.
The total number of births with the name Zebediah in the United States from 1978 to 2023 is 585. This data indicates that while the name may not have been incredibly common during the earlier years, it has gained some traction and popularity in recent times.