Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Obed
BoyHebrew· “servant, worshipper”
- Meaning
- servant, worshipper
- Origin
- Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- OH-behd
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,072
- US babies 2025
- 72
- Best rank
- #883 (1880)
- Peak year
- 2005
Meaning and origin of Obed
Obed is a Hebrew name that means “servant, worshipper”.
Obed is a Hebrew name meaning servant or worshipper, from a root associated with serving. In the Bible, Obed is the son of Boaz and Ruth and the grandfather of King David, a lineage traced in the Book of Ruth. The name was used by Puritans and early American families who favored biblical names. It is usually pronounced OH-bed. Obed has a short, strong sound and a meaning of humble devotion.
Popularity over time
Obed has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 1 different years. Its best national rank was #883 in 1880, and the most babies received it in 2005, when 137 were named Obed. In 2025, 72 babies were named Obed, and it ranked #2,072 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #2,196 in 1920, #2,955 in 1950, #1,944 in 1980, #1,219 in 2000, #1,454 in 2010, and #2,072 in 2025. Of the 4,135 US boys named Obed since records began, 26% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 889 babies. Since 2010, 1,361 more have been named Obed.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Evin, Sameer, Marko, Javin, and Hagen.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Obed ranked highest in Arizona, Texas, and Florida.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Arizona | #1006 | 5 |
| Texas | #1458 | 13 |
| Florida | #2020 | 5 |
| California | #2391 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Obed is usually pronounced OH-behd, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with O and ends in “-ed”.
Middle names for Obed
A few middle names that flow with Obed: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Obed
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Lists that include Obed
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Obed mean?
Obed is a Hebrew name that means “servant, worshipper”.
What is the origin of the name Obed?
Obed has Hebrew roots. Obed is a Hebrew name meaning servant or worshipper, from a root associated with serving.
Is Obed a popular name?
Not especially. Obed ranked #2,072 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Obed a boy or girl name?
Obed is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Obed?
Obed is usually pronounced OH-behd. 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