William Boy
WIHL-yuhm
“resolute protector” · Germanic
#9
Obadiah
BoyHebrew· “servant of God”
- Meaning
- servant of God
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- oh-buh-DY-uh
- Syllables
- 4
- US rank 2025
- #1,630
- US babies 2025
- 104
- Best rank
- #1,414 (2024)
- Peak year
- 2024
Meaning and origin of Obadiah
Obadiah is a Hebrew name that means “servant of God”.
Obadiah is a Hebrew name meaning "servant of God" or "servant of Yahweh." It belongs to the prophet whose short book, the Book of Obadiah, is among the Minor Prophets, and to a steward of King Ahab who hid prophets from Jezebel. The Puritans used it in England and colonial America, which gives it an old New England flavor. Said oh-buh-DY-uh, it is long and rhythmic, and it has joined the revival of Old Testament names such as Ezekiel and Josiah. Obie is the easy nickname.
Popularity over time
Obadiah first appears in US Social Security records in 1914. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,414 in 2024, the same year it reached its highest count of 131 babies. In 2025, 104 babies were named Obadiah, and it ranked #1,630 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #3,410 in 1920, #3,585 in 1950, #2,424 in 1980, #2,662 in 2000, #2,313 in 2010, and #1,630 in 2025. Of the 2,521 US boys named Obadiah since records began, 32% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2020s come next, with 676 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Zade, Cam, Aviel, Orson, and Mahir.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Obadiah ranked highest in Indiana, Ohio, and Michigan.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana | #824 | 7 |
| Ohio | #920 | 9 |
| Michigan | #1076 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #1385 | 5 |
| Texas | #1397 | 14 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Obadiah is usually pronounced oh-buh-DY-uh, with four syllables. It has seven letters, starts with O and ends in “-ah”.
Middle names for Obadiah
A few middle names that flow with Obadiah: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Obadiah
Similar names
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jeh-ruh-MY-uh
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nee-uh-MY-uh
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za-kuh-RY-uh
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Isiah Boy
eye-ZY-uh
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my-KAY-uh
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buh-NY-uh
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Jeriah Boy
juh-RY-uh
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Noah Boy
NOH-uh
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Elijah Boy
ih-LY-juh
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Isaiah Boy
eye-ZAY-uh
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Josiah Boy
joh-SY-uh
“Yahweh supports” · Hebrew
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Micah Boy
MY-kuh
“who is like Yahweh” · Hebrew
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Lists that include Obadiah
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Obadiah mean?
Obadiah is a Hebrew name that means “servant of God”.
What is the origin of the name Obadiah?
Obadiah has Hebrew roots. Obadiah is a Hebrew name meaning "servant of God" or "servant of Yahweh." It belongs to the prophet whose short book, the Book of Obadiah, is among the Minor Prophets, and to a steward of King Ahab who hid prophets from Jezebel.
Is Obadiah a popular name?
Not especially. Obadiah ranked #1,630 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Obadiah a boy or girl name?
Obadiah is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Obadiah?
Obadiah is usually pronounced oh-buh-DY-uh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings