Obed is a name of Hebrew origin and it means "servant" or "worshipper". It comes from the Hebrew word "ebed", which has been translated into English as servant, worshipper, slave, or bondman.
The name Obed appears in the Bible, specifically in the Book of Samuel. He was one of King David's mighty men and is often mentioned alongside other warriors such as Joab and Abishai. According to tradition, Obed was a man of great courage and faithfulness who always remained loyal to his king.
In many cultures, the name Obed has been associated with obedience and servitude due to its meaning. However, it can also be interpreted as a sign of devotion or worship towards something greater than oneself. Despite this, there are no widely known celebrations or festivals dedicated specifically to people named Obed.
While there may not be any popular traditions tied to the name Obed, its biblical origins and rich history make it an interesting choice for parents looking for unique names with meaningful backgrounds.
The name Obed has been given to a total of 3982 babies born in the United States over the past century and a half. The earliest recorded birth with this name occurred in 1880, with just one child being named Obed that year. Over the next few decades, the number of births with this name remained relatively low, with only a handful occurring each year.
However, starting around the early 1960s, there was a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Obed. In 1964 alone, there were 21 births with this name, marking a significant jump from previous years. This trend continued throughout the 1970s and 1980s, with over 30 births each year during these decades.
The peak popularity of the name Obed occurred in the late 1990s and early 2000s. In 2000, there were an astonishing 111 births with this name, which was more than double the number of births from any other year on record. This high level of popularity continued throughout the decade, with over 100 births each year between 2000 and 2010.
However, since then, the popularity of the name Obed has declined somewhat. Between 2011 and 2023, there have been an average of just under 80 births with this name per year. Despite this decrease in popularity, the name Obed still remains a distinctive and memorable choice for parents looking to give their child a unique name.
Overall, these statistics show that while the name Obed has had its ups and downs in terms of popularity over the years, it has nevertheless been chosen by thousands of families across the United States who have opted to give their children this uncommon but meaningful name.