Obed Boy

Popularity: #866 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: OH-bed //ˈoʊ.bɛd//

Origin: Hebrew

Meaning: Hebrew: servant; worshipper

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Obed has its roots in the Hebrew language, derived from the word "עֹבֵד" (Oved), which means "servant" or "worshipper." This name appears in the Hebrew Bible, where it is transliterated into Greek as "Οβήδ" (Obēd) and later into Latin as "Obed." The name made its way into Old French and subsequently into Middle English, retaining its original form throughout these linguistic transitions. The etymological journey reflects a consistent meaning tied to servitude and devotion, which is significant in the context of biblical narratives.

Historically, Obed is notably recognized as a biblical figure in the Book of Ruth, where he is introduced as the son of Ruth and Boaz, and the grandfather of King David. This connection places Obed in a pivotal role within the genealogical lineage leading to the Davidic line, which is significant in Jewish and Christian traditions.

The mention of Obed in the genealogies of the Bible, particularly in the context of the Davidic covenant, has contributed to the name's enduring presence in religious texts and traditions. Culturally, the name Obed carries connotations of loyalty and service, reflecting the virtues celebrated in biblical narratives.

The association of Obed with themes of faithfulness and devotion has allowed the name to resonate within various religious communities. Additionally, the diminutive form "Ovi" has been used in some cultures, though it is less prominent historically.

Overall, the name Obed encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance, rooted deeply in the traditions of the Abrahamic faiths.

Famous people named Obed

In this section, you will find notable people named Obed. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Obed who have made a significant impact on popular culture.

We also feature individuals named Obed who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.

Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.

Obed Hussey is an inventor best known for the mechanical reaper and advancements in agricultural technology.

Obed Edom is a biblical figure best known for housing the Ark of the Covenant and being blessed by God for doing so.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Obed, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

EliIsaacLeviNoahSamuelTobias

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Obed. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.

OrenEbenAmosZebedeeAsherEliJonahMicahGideonEzra

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Obed was first seen in the United States in 1880.

Obed has ranked as high as #2651 nationally, which occurred in 2005, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, New York, and Arizona.

In the past 5 years the name Obed has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Obed is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Obed was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Obed.

Year Total Births Boy
2025 72 72
2024 81 81
2023 84 84
2022 84 84
2021 83 83
2020 68 68
2019 68 68
2018 74 74
2017 62 62
2016 97 97
2015 88 88
2014 94 94
2013 99 99
2012 93 93
2011 100 100
2010 114 114
2009 117 117
2008 110 110
2007 118 118
2006 114 114
2005 137 137
2004 98 98
2003 95 95
2002 96 96
2001 87 87
2000 111 111
1999 71 71
1998 59 59
1997 63 63
1996 77 77
1995 58 58
1994 58 58
1993 62 62
1992 41 41
1991 64 64
1990 46 46
1989 41 41
1988 40 40
1987 37 37
1986 26 26
1985 33 33
1984 28 28
1983 28 28
1982 31 31
1981 33 33
1980 29 29
1979 31 31
1978 20 20
1977 17 17
1976 21 21
1975 15 15
1974 18 18
1973 25 25
1972 10 10
1971 13 13
1970 14 14
1969 12 12
1968 15 15
1967 15 15
1966 7 7
1965 5 5
1964 21 21
1963 12 12
1962 7 7
1961 11 11
1960 10 10
1959 13 13
1958 12 12
1957 6 6
1956 8 8
1955 9 9
1954 5 5
1953 5 5
1951 5 5
1950 8 8
1949 8 8
1948 8 8
1947 6 6
1946 10 10
1945 6 6
1943 10 10
1942 5 5
1941 10 10
1940 5 5
1938 5 5
1937 6 6
1936 9 9
1935 11 11
1934 13 13
1933 5 5
1932 11 11
1931 8 8
1930 9 9
1929 9 9
1928 8 8
1927 18 18
1926 12 12
1925 9 9
1924 18 18
1923 17 17
1922 18 18
1921 12 12
1920 15 15
1919 15 15
1918 16 16
1917 10 10
1916 17 17
1915 10 10
1914 11 11
1912 6 6
1910 8 8
1909 6 6
1902 5 5
1894 5 5
1880 6 6

Top States for Obed (2024)

We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.

State Births Share
TX 18
51%
CA 12
34%
NM 5
14%