Jedediah Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: jeh-deh-DIE-uh //ˌdʒɛdəˈdaɪə//
Origin: Hebrew
Meaning: Beloved of the Lord
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Jedediah has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the elements "yad" meaning "hand" and "dā'â" meaning "to know," which together can be interpreted as "beloved of the Lord." The name appears in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in 2 Samuel 12:25, where it is associated with the son of King David and Bathsheba, who was given the name by the prophet Nathan. The name was transliterated into Greek as "Iededia" and later into Latin as "Jedediah," before making its way into Old French and subsequently into English during the medieval period.
Historically, Jedediah is significant due to its biblical connections, particularly through the lineage of King David, which has been a focal point in Jewish and Christian traditions. The name's usage can be traced back to the early centuries of the Common Era, with its biblical roots providing a strong foundation for its endurance in religious contexts.
The name also appears in various translations of the Bible, including the King James Version published in 1611, which helped to solidify its presence in English-speaking cultures. Culturally, Jedediah carries connotations of divine favor and love, reflecting its meaning and historical significance.
The name has been embraced in various literary and artistic works, often symbolizing loyalty and devotion. In addition, diminutive forms such as Jed have emerged, showcasing the name's adaptability while retaining its original essence.
Overall, Jedediah remains a name steeped in rich historical and cultural significance, rooted in its ancient origins and biblical associations.
Famous people named Jedediah
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Jedediah was first seen in the United States in 1970. Jedediah has ranked as high as #879 nationally, which occurred in 1979, and has been most popular in California, Utah, New York, Oregon, and Texas. In the past 5 years the name Jedediah has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Jedediah (2023)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 8 | |
| TX | 8 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1970 | 9 |
| 1971 | 7 |
| 1972 | 15 |
| 1973 | 31 |
| 1974 | 26 |
| 1975 | 27 |
| 1976 | 56 |
| 1977 | 124 |
| 1978 | 193 |
| 1979 | 248 |
| 1980 | 206 |
| 1981 | 142 |
| 1982 | 116 |
| 1983 | 128 |
| 1984 | 96 |
| 1985 | 96 |
| 1986 | 76 |
| 1987 | 65 |
| 1988 | 67 |
| 1989 | 56 |
| 1990 | 47 |
| 1991 | 60 |
| 1992 | 48 |
| 1993 | 48 |
| 1994 | 48 |
| 1995 | 39 |
| 1996 | 29 |
| 1997 | 34 |
| 1998 | 36 |
| 1999 | 28 |
| 2000 | 35 |
| 2001 | 26 |
| 2002 | 30 |
| 2003 | 38 |
| 2004 | 24 |
| 2005 | 25 |
| 2006 | 20 |
| 2007 | 27 |
| 2008 | 28 |
| 2009 | 21 |
| 2010 | 41 |
| 2011 | 31 |
| 2012 | 42 |
| 2013 | 69 |
| 2014 | 76 |
| 2015 | 60 |
| 2016 | 64 |
| 2017 | 41 |
| 2018 | 49 |
| 2019 | 45 |
| 2020 | 51 |
| 2021 | 66 |
| 2022 | 51 |
| 2023 | 44 |
| 2024 | 48 |