Jedidiah is a unique and distinctive name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "Yedidia," which means "beloved of God" or "loved by God." The name Jedidiah appears in the Bible, specifically in 1 Kings 3:6-14, where it is given to Solomon after he asks for wisdom from God. In this context, the name signifies that Solomon was beloved and favored by God.
The name Jedidiah has a rich history that spans centuries. It has been used by various cultures throughout time, including Jewish and Christian communities. However, it remains relatively rare, adding to its uniqueness and exclusivity.
In terms of popularity, Jedidiah is not among the most common names today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there were only 5 boys named Jedidiah born in 2019, out of over 600,000 births that year. This scarcity makes the name Jedidiah a standout choice for parents looking for something distinctive and meaningful.
In summary, Jedidiah is an attractive Hebrew name with a profound meaning rooted in biblical history. Its rarity adds to its allure, making it a captivating option for those seeking a unique and significant name for their child.
The given statistics show a fascinating trend in the popularity of the name Jedidiah over several decades in the United States.
Initially, there were only a handful of births with the name Jedidiah each year, starting from just five births in 1971. This number remained relatively low until 1977 when it jumped significantly to eighty-eight births. The years between 1978 and 1982 saw a steady increase in popularity, peaking at 187 births in 1979.
However, the late eighties marked a turning point for the name Jedidiah. After reaching its peak, the number of annual births with this name began to decline, dropping down to as low as 104 births in 2002.
Interestingly, from around the year 2005 onwards, there was another surge in popularity for the name Jedidiah. This time, it reached an all-time high of 361 births in 2017 and remained consistently popular throughout the late 2010s and early 2020s, with over three hundred births each year.
In total, from 1971 to 2023, there were a combined 8723 births with the name Jedidiah in the United States. This data illustrates how trends in naming can change dramatically over time, with periods of popularity followed by declines and then renewed interest.