Zebediah, a distinctive and uncommon name of Hebrew origin, is derived from the element "Zabad," which means "gift." This name was popular among the Jews during biblical times but has since become quite rare, making it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a unique moniker for their child.
The name Zebediah appears in the Bible as the father of Nadab and Abihu, sons of Aaron who were priests in ancient Israel. However, its usage beyond this context is scarce, contributing to its uncommon status today.
As a given name, Zebediah carries a certain exotic charm due to its unfamiliarity. It rolls off the tongue with a pleasing rhythm and has an air of mystery about it, perhaps owing to its association with biblical history. The name's uniqueness can be appealing for parents who wish to give their child a distinctive identity.
In literature and popular culture, Zebediah is rarely encountered, allowing parents to bestow this name upon their child without any predefined associations or expectations. This lack of popularity also means that there are no widely recognized nicknames or shortened versions of the name, giving parents the freedom to create their own diminutives if desired.
In terms of numerology, the number associated with Zebediah is 7 (based on the numerical value assigned to each letter in the name). This number is often linked to attributes such as intelligence, intuition, and spiritual wisdom. However, it's essential to note that these associations are not universally accepted or applicable to every individual bearing this name.
In conclusion, Zebediah is an uncommon Hebrew name with a fascinating biblical connection. Its rarity makes it an intriguing choice for parents seeking a distinctive name for their child, while its lack of popularity in literature and popular culture allows for greater flexibility and personal interpretation.
The name Zebediah experienced a notable increase in popularity from the late 1990s onwards, with a significant spike occurring between 1997 and 2004. During this period, the number of births named Zebediah more than doubled from an average of around 18 births per year to peaks of 26 births in 2007. However, it has since experienced a decline, with fewer than 20 births per year recorded between 2015 and 2023. Overall, there have been a total of 585 births named Zebediah from 1978 to 2023.