Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 oh-BAH-dee-ah /oʊbəˈdaɪə/
"Servant of YAHWEH"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
The name Obadiah is derived from the Hebrew roots ‘obad’ (servant) and ‘yah’ (God). Its meaning can be translated as ‘Servant of YAHWEH.’ In the Old Testament, there is a book named after this prophet, Obadiah, who prophesied against the Edomites for their cruelty towards their brother Judah.
Obadiah is a masculine given name. It is of Biblical Hebrew origin, and its popularity derives from Obadiah, a prophet in the Hebrew Bible and in the religious traditions of Christianity, Judaism, and Islam.
Obadiah, meaning 'servant of the Lord', is the name of a prophet in the Old Testament (1 Kings 18:3, 2 Kings 13:14 - Hebrew Bible - Old Testament). The name is derived from Hebrew roots 'servant' and …
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: The number 1 represents new beginnings, leadership, and independence.
Life Path 4 — Stability & Hard Work: Reliable, disciplined, and exceptionally organized.
Cultural Impact
The name Obadiah has been borne by a number of notable figures in history. In the Bible, Obadiah is a prophet whose book is part of the Old Testament. Obadiah was also a servant of King Ahab, administering his household. There is a biblical account of Obadiah hiding 100 prophets in two hidden places to save them from being slaughtered by King Ahab. Obadiah's actions display his deep devotion and loyalty to God and His prophets. This historical background illustrates the cultural significance of the name Obadiah, representing devotion, loyalty, and courage.
Spiritual Significance
The spiritual significance of the name Obadiah is found in its meaning - ‘Servant of YAHWEH.’ This name serves as a reminder of the primary role of every Christian, that is, to serve and obey God. Obadiah in the Bible is an embodiment of this quality, dedicated to the service of God and His prophets despite the risks involved. When we bear this name, we are called to emulate the characteristics of Obadiah, such as faithfulness, courage, and obedience to God. Let us strive to serve Him in all aspects of our lives, demonstrating our love and devotion to Him as Obadiah did.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Obadiah" emerges in (Hebrew) tradition, carrying the core meaning "Servant of YAHWEH".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~2,416 people named Obadiah in the US. Peaked in 2024 with 131 recorded uses.
Obadiah the prophet wrote a book of the Old Testament bearing his name around 850 BC during the reign of King Jehoram of Judah.
Obadiah the biblical character is also mentioned in 1 Kings 11:2-4 as one of King Solomon's loyal ministers who warned him about the sin of marrying foreign wives, around 960-930 BC.
Modern Usage
Obadiah is a minor prophet in the Jewish and Christian Bibles. His name means 'servant of Yahweh'. In modern contexts, Obadiah is often studied and discussed for his prophecies about the coming judgment of Edom. His name is seen on various platforms including Christian podcasts, religious blogs, and literary discussions, where scholars and theologians delve into the historical and symbolic significance of his writings. The general trends in these discussions revolve around understanding the biblical context and message of Obadiah, as well as its relevance to contemporary spiritual and moral issues.
Obadiah means "Servant of YAHWEH" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Obadiah is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Obadiah has (Hebrew) origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Obadiah is 4, associated with Stability & Hard Work. Soul Urge: 8. Personality: 5.
Obadiah is Predominantly Male. Based on US data, 100% male and 0% female.
Approximately 2,416 people in the United States are named Obadiah. The name peaked in 2024 with 131 recorded uses.
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